Without Remorse Surges on Streaming, Sequel Confirmed

It’s easy to assume that Taylor Sheridan’s projects are destined for instant acclaim, given his track record with the likes of Yellowstone and its spin-offs. Yet, not every venture from the prolific writer has enjoyed a smooth ride. One particular foray into the action genre, which initially landed with little fanfare, has now found a second wind on streaming platforms several years after its debut.

Stefano Sollima took the director’s chair for Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse, with Sheridan and Will Staples penning the script. The film, fronted by Michael B. Jordan as John Kelly—better known to Clancy aficionados as John Clark—assembled a notable cast including Jamie Bell, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Guy Pearce. The plot follows Kelly, a US Navy SEAL, as he embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance after a devastating personal loss. Despite the star power and action credentials, the film’s reception was, to put it mildly, rather mixed. Critics and audiences alike were divided, with Rotten Tomatoes scores hovering in the low forties. Nevertheless, the tide appears to have turned, as the title has recently climbed into the upper echelons of MGM+’s most-watched list.

Plot and Reception

The official synopsis sets the stage:

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 slated for a cinematic release under the Paramount banner, the film’s journey was rerouted by the pandemic, landing it directly on Amazon’s streaming service. The lukewarm critical response did little to dampen the appetite for a high-octane thriller led by Jordan, and the film’s recent streaming resurgence suggests viewers have warmed to its brand of action after all.

Sequel in the Works

With renewed interest, the franchise is set to expand. A sequel, currently operating under the working title Rainbow Six, is in development, with Chad Stahelski—best known for his work on the John Wick series—attached to direct. Stahelski has spoken about the challenges and ambitions for the project, particularly in adapting such a well-known property for both fans and newcomers.

"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’s comments hint at a careful, considered approach, with the creative team keen to balance fan expectations with fresh ideas. Michael B. Jordan’s return as John Clark is expected to anchor the new instalment, promising more of the intense action that has drawn audiences back to the original.

Sheridan’s Next Steps

While the Without Remorse sequel gathers momentum, Sheridan himself is not standing still. He’s set to revisit the action thriller genre with F.A.S.T., a new project starring Brandon Sklenar, which is scheduled for release in April 2027. Sheridan’s knack for crafting compelling, character-driven stories continues to keep viewers and critics alike on their toes, even as his earlier works find unexpected new life on streaming platforms.