Netflix's attempt to turn Mark Greaney's The Gray Man novels into a blockbuster franchise may have hit a snag, but the literary world is charging ahead. The streaming giant's 2022 film, directed by the Russo brothers and starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, earned lukewarm reviews despite strong viewership. Plans for sequels and spin-offs have stalled, leaving the cinematic future uncertain. However, the book series that started it all is thriving, and the next chapter is already on the calendar.
Since 2016, Greaney has delivered a new Court Gentry adventure every year, and 2025 was no exception. The Hard Line, the 15th installment, hit shelves in February and shot to #3 on the New York Times bestseller list. In that story, the legendary assassin found himself hunted by compromised feds and rival killers, with his team scrambling to survive. Now, the saga continues with Dark Union, the 16th novel, set to arrive on February 16, 2027, from Berkley.
This time, the stakes are deeply personal for Court. At his late father's funeral, he grapples with being the last of his family—until his brother, who supposedly died nine years ago in the line of duty, shows up. The shocking reappearance sends Court on a quest to uncover the truth behind his sibling's survival, a mystery that the shadowy forces he's crossed won't easily surrender.
For those who only know Court from Netflix, the film adapted the first novel, following the CIA's most elusive agent as he uncovers agency corruption and becomes the target of a psychopathic mercenary played by Chris Evans. The planned sequel was expected to adapt On Target, but the Russos have admitted there's no momentum right now. Still, fans of the books have plenty to look forward to, and Dark Union promises to be another pulse-pounding entry in a series that has kept readers hooked for years.
If you're new to the series, the novels offer a deeper dive into Court's world, blending espionage, action, and moral complexity. For those who prefer screen adaptations, there are plenty of other thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat to tide you over. And if you're a fan of spy stories, you might also enjoy The Honorable Woman, a series that remains essential viewing.
With Dark Union on the horizon, the Gray Man franchise proves that even if Hollywood stumbles, the source material can keep the story alive. Mark your calendars for February 16, 2027, and get ready for another wild ride with Court Gentry.
