How Netflix’s ‘Extraction’ Is Tied to the MCU
Netflix’s new film, Extraction, is an action-packed thriller starring Chris Hemsworth. And while the movie doesn’t have any superhero connections, it does share ties with films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What is ‘Extraction’ about?
Extraction follows the story of Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth), a black market mercenary who is hired to go to Dhaka and rescue the son of a drug lord that is kidnapped by a rival kingpin. The boy, Ovi (Rudhraksh Jaiswal), is also being pursued by his father’s henchman, Saju (Randeep Hooda).
After Rake extracts Ovi, he tries to get him out fo the city. But he is met with bullets and fire from both the Dhaka mafia and Saju. Soon, Rake realizes the mission is compromised, but despite the advice from his mercenary colleagues, including Gaspar (David Harbour), he can’t get himself to leave the boy behind.
‘Extraction’ comes from a team of MCU filmmakers
The Netflix film comes from producers Anthony and Joe Russo and was written by the latter. The Russo brothers are known for their work on a number of films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The duo directed four of the most popular Marvel movies in the franchise, including Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. They also directed the ABC series, Marvel’s Agent Carter.
In an interview with Esquire, the Russo’s called their seven-year, four-film stint with Marvel “amazing” And they said they’re bringing the connections they made over to new projects like Extraction.
“We’re very proud of the work we did, and we’re very proud of the collaboration we had with the folks at Marvel,” Anthony said. “We’re finding opportunities to carry those experiences and relationships forward – specifically here with Chris and Sam Hargrave (director) with Extraction. There are different ways we’re carrying the relationships forward with many, many of the cast and crew and producers of those films. That’s really exciting.”
The director of ‘Extraction’ has ties to the MCU
Extraction is the first film directed by stunt coordinator Sam Hargrave. He is known for working with the Russo brothers on a number of Marvel films. Hargrave choreographed and coordinated stunts for MCU movies like The Wolverine, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Deadpool 2, and Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
When talking to Esquire, producer Joe Russo revealed why he brought Hargrave in to direct the Netflix film.
“We worked with Sam Hargrave on all four Marvel films, over eight years,” Russo explained. “He’s amazingly talented. He has a wonderful understanding of storytelling and character, combined with a virtuoso and auteur approach to action. We knew that Extraction needed someone who had a deft understanding of character and story, combined with this gift for executing action. Sam was the guy.”
The film stars two MCU actors
Leading Extraction is Chris Hemsworth, who’s most known for playing the Marvel superhero Thor. He’s portrayed the character in eight MCU movies, including Thor: Ragnarok, The Avengers, Doctor Strange, and Avengers: Endgame.
Stranger Things star, David Harbour, has a supporting role in the film as the mercenary, Gaspar. The actor will be playing Alexei Shostakov, aka the Red Guardian, in the upcoming Marvel film, Black Widow.
