Michael B. Jordan's Action Flick Surges on Streaming After Rocky Start
A Tom Clancy adaptation that flopped with critics is now climbing streaming charts, proving audiences have different tastes than reviewers when it comes to action entertainment.
Not everything Taylor Sheridan creates becomes an instant hit, despite his track record with Yellowstone and other successful series. The acclaimed writer's venture into action thriller territory initially stumbled when it first appeared, but streaming audiences are now giving it a second chance.
Tom Clancy's Without Remorse landed with disappointing reviews when Stefano Sollima directed the adaptation written by Sheridan and Will Staples. Critics and audiences both gave it lukewarm reception, with Rotten Tomatoes scores hitting just 45% and 41% respectively. Five years later, the Michael B. Jordan vehicle is climbing MGM+ streaming charts and finding its audience.
Star Power Meets Navy SEAL Action
Jordan stars as John Kelly, an elite Navy SEAL seeking revenge after his pregnant wife's murder. The cast includes Jamie Bell, Jodie Turner-Smith, Luke Mitchell, Jack Kesy, Brett Gelman, Lauren London, Colman Domingo and Guy Pearce. The story follows Kelly as he uncovers an international conspiracy while hunting down Russian soldiers responsible for his family's death.
According to the official synopsis: "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 pursues the assassins at all costs. Joining forces with a fellow SEAL and a shadowy CIA agent, Kelly's mission unwittingly exposes a covert plot that threatens to engulf the U.S. and Russia in an all-out war."
From Theater to Stream
Paramount Pictures originally planned a theatrical release before COVID changed everything. Amazon Studios picked up distribution rights and released it directly to streaming instead. The pandemic shift might have hurt initial visibility, but streaming success suggests audiences were ready for Jordan's take on the Tom Clancy universe.
The film's streaming popularity has sparked sequel development. Rainbow Six, the follow-up project, will reportedly be directed by Chad Stahelski, known for the John Wick franchise. Stahelski praised Jordan's action hero potential in 2024 while discussing the project's development.
Sequel Plans Take Shape
"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," Stahelski explained.
Sheridan continues exploring action territory with F.A.S.T., starring Brandon Sklenar and scheduled for April 23, 2027 release. The streaming success of Without Remorse proves that initial critical reception doesn't always predict long-term audience appeal, especially in the streaming era where viewers can discover content on their own timeline.