Michael B. Jordan’s ‘Without Remorse’ Surges on Streaming, Sequel Confirmed
After a lukewarm debut, Taylor Sheridan’s action thriller ‘Without Remorse’ starring Michael B. Jordan has soared into MGM+’s top 10, with a follow-up from ‘John Wick’ director Chad Stahelski now officially in the pipeline.
It ’s easy to assume that every project from Taylor Sheridan, the creative force behind Yellowstone, is an instant hit. With a string of successful series like Tulsa King, Mayor of Kingstown, and Landman, Sheridan has built a reputation for delivering crowd-pleasers. Yet, not every venture has enjoyed immediate acclaim. One of his high-octane thrillers, which initially struggled to make waves, is now enjoying a second life on streaming platforms years after its release.
Directed by Stefano Sollima and penned by Sheridan alongside Will Staples, Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse seemed primed for success. The film stars Michael B. Jordan as John Kelly—better known to fans as John Clark—a Navy SEAL on a relentless quest for vengeance. The cast is stacked with talent, including Jamie Bell, Jodie Turner-Smith, Luke Mitchell, Jack Kesy, Brett Gelman, Lauren London, Colman Domingo, and Guy Pearce. Despite this, the movie received a chilly reception, earning just 45% from critics and 41% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. But time has been kind: Without Remorse has now broken into the top 10 on MGM+.
Plot and Cast: A Gritty Tale of Revenge
The official synopsis sets the stage for a gripping story:
An elite Navy SEAL uncovers an international conspiracy while seeking justice for the murder of his pregnant wife in Tom Clancy's Without Remorse, the explosive origin story of action hero John Clark -- one of the most popular characters in author Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan universe. When a squad of Russian soldiers kills his family in retaliation for his role in a top-secret op, Sr. Chief John Kelly (Michael B. Jordan) pursues the assassins at all costs. Joining forces with a fellow SEAL (Jodie Turner-Smith) and a shadowy CIA agent (Jamie Bell), Kelly's mission unwittingly exposes a covert plot that threatens to engulf the U.S. and Russia in an all-out war. Torn between personal honor and loyalty to his country, Kelly must fight his enemies without remorse if he hopes to avert disaster and reveal the powerful figures behind the conspiracy.
Originally, Paramount Pictures planned a theatrical release for the film. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a change in strategy, and Amazon Studios opted for a direct-to-streaming debut. While initial reactions were mixed, the film’s recent surge in popularity shows that audiences are eager to see Michael B. Jordan take the reins of the Tom Clancy universe.
Sequel in the Works: ‘Rainbow Six’ on the Horizon
With renewed interest in the franchise, a sequel is officially underway. Chad Stahelski, best known for his work on the John Wick series, is set to direct the next installment, currently titled Rainbow Six—a name that will ring familiar to Clancy enthusiasts. Stahelski has expressed his excitement about the project and his admiration for Jordan’s action chops, promising to deliver a worthy follow-up.
"It's a big property. It comes from a big IP. So it's, you know, the development to do it right. You've seen how both video games and in Hollywood are sometimes tricky. It's always about doing it right and finding the right I, so it gives room for the fans to love what you're doing. But also you have to give margin to expand out and go. We're taking our time. A lot of good ideas of being flushed around. It's been a lot of good development work. We just want to get it right."
Meanwhile, Sheridan is set to return to the action genre with F.A.S.T., starring Brandon Sklenar, which is scheduled to hit theaters on April 23, 2027.