Netflix is making bold moves to expand its dominance in the world of streaming entertainment, and the latest announcements are sure to excite fans of both action thrillers and sharp-witted comedies. On August 18, 2025, two major projects were thrust into the spotlight: a spin-off series from the high-octane Extraction franchise and a new action-comedy film, The Leading Man, starring none other than John Cena and Kevin Hart. Both projects are still shrouded in some mystery, but the details that have emerged already have viewers buzzing with anticipation.
Let’s start with the Extraction spin-off series, which has been steadily building momentum ever since Netflix first hinted at expanding the universe that made Chris Hemsworth a streaming superstar. According to reports published on August 18, 2025, the streaming giant has added another heavyweight to its roster: Natalie Dormer, the acclaimed actress known for her roles as Margaery Tyrell in Game of Thrones and Cressida in The Hunger Games series. While Netflix has kept Dormer’s role under wraps, her involvement alone signals that the new series will be anything but ordinary.
The Extraction spin-off is set to star Omar Sy, celebrated for his charismatic performances in Lupin, who will take on the role of a mercenary tasked with rescuing hostages in Libya. The setting promises a tense, fast-paced atmosphere similar to the original movies, but this time the action will be filtered through the lens of Sy’s character—a man wrestling not only with external enemies but also with his own emotional scars. According to Netflix, the show will grapple with heavy themes like trauma, betrayal, and moral conflict, bringing new layers to the already gritty world of Extraction.
Behind the scenes, the creative team is just as impressive. The series will be helmed by Glen Mazzara, who has earned a reputation for his work on morally complex dramas such as The Shield and as the showrunner for the first two seasons of The Walking Dead. Mazzara’s knack for exploring the darker corners of human nature should be a perfect fit for a show that isn’t afraid to ask tough questions about loyalty, survival, and the blurry lines between right and wrong.
Of course, the Russo Brothers—who masterminded the original Extraction film—are back in the producer’s chairs, ensuring continuity and quality. Their first Extraction movie, released in 2020 with Chris Hemsworth as the lead, became a runaway streaming hit. Netflix quickly greenlit a sequel, and a third installment is already in the works, with filming planned to start in 2025. Last year, the Russos told Collider they were "hard at work" on the next chapter and hinted that the dynamic between Hemsworth’s Tyler Rake and Idris Elba’s mysterious newcomer (introduced at the end of Extraction 2) would be central to the story.
While Netflix has yet to announce the official title or release window for the eight-episode Extraction spin-off, the casting of Natalie Dormer and the involvement of Omar Sy have already set expectations sky-high. The series is expected to maintain the kinetic energy and emotional depth that made the movies so popular, while also carving out its own identity within the franchise. Fans are left to wonder how, or if, the new series will connect directly to the events of the films—a mystery that Netflix seems content to let simmer for now.
Meanwhile, on the comedic front, Netflix is gearing up for another major swing with The Leading Man, an action-comedy film that pairs John Cena and Kevin Hart in what promises to be a riotous adventure. As reported on August 18, 2025, the film is currently in active development, with the search for a director still underway. The Leading Man is based on the comic book series by Jeremy Haun and B. Clay Moore, with a screenplay penned by Erich Hoeber and Jon Hoeber, the writing duo behind The Meg and My Spy.
The plot, according to Netflix, revolves around a self-absorbed movie star—played by Cena—who discovers that his co-star, Nick Walker (portrayed by Hart), is actually a real-life secret agent. The revelation forces Cena’s character to confront the uncomfortable truth that being an action hero on screen doesn’t necessarily translate to heroics off it. Together, the unlikely pair must team up to save the world, blending high-stakes action with the sort of comedic banter that both actors are known for.
Kevin Hart is a familiar face to Netflix subscribers, having starred in a string of Originals including Me Time, The Man from Toronto, Lift, Fatherhood, and even a dramatic turn in True Story. Hart’s versatility and comedic timing have made him one of the platform’s most reliable stars. John Cena, on the other hand, is making his Netflix Original debut with The Leading Man, though he’s no stranger to the big screen. The former WWE superstar has built an impressive filmography, with roles in The Suicide Squad, Heads of State, Fast X, and Barbie, among others. Cena is also currently working on Matt Spicer’s upcoming comedy Little Brother, marking a busy period in his post-wrestling career.
Production on The Leading Man hasn’t started yet, and with both stars juggling packed schedules, the earliest viewers can expect to see the film on Netflix is the first half of 2027. Still, the project has already generated significant buzz, thanks in part to its high-profile cast and the promise of a fresh, comic-book-inspired take on the classic buddy action formula.
The creative team behind The Leading Man is stacked with talent. In addition to the Hoeber brothers, the roster of executive producers includes John Cena, Dan Bain, Jeremy Haun, and Zack Roth. Peter Schwerin and Eric Gitter are producing for Ignition Productions, while the film’s comic book origins add another layer of intrigue for fans of the genre.
With these two projects—one a gritty, globe-trotting thriller and the other a star-studded action-comedy—Netflix is doubling down on its strategy of delivering big-budget, crowd-pleasing content that appeals to a wide range of viewers. Whether you’re a fan of pulse-pounding suspense or you prefer your action with a side of laughter, there’s plenty to look forward to in the coming years.
As the streaming wars continue to heat up, Netflix’s latest announcements demonstrate that the platform is far from resting on its laurels. With Natalie Dormer joining the Extraction universe and the comedic chemistry of John Cena and Kevin Hart set to light up screens, the future of streaming entertainment looks as entertaining—and unpredictable—as ever.
