The Graphic Novel You Likely Didn't Know The Extraction Films Were Based On

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Netflix found itself a savior with "Extraction." Produced by The Russo Brothers, the action-thriller quickly rose up the streaming giant's charts, emerging as one of their most popular original films. Directed by stunt coordinator-turned-filmmaker Sam Hargrave, the film follows Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth), a jaded mercenary who picks up a job in Bangladesh to rescue a kidnapped child (Rudhraksh Jaiswal). Through their perilous journey, the two bond and unearth a conspiracy involving the child's family.

The first film's success spawned a sequel, which saw Hargrave and Hemsworth returning in their respective roles. The sequel sees Rake alive and well, a far cry from the last time audiences saw him in the first "Extraction." The sequel features bigger, bolder, and louder practical action sequences than the first, something which excited Hemsworth, who's particularly known for playing the deity Thor in the Marvel films. "Not to take anything away from the special-effects-filled sort of Marvel film, but you have a lot of help in post-production there [...] Whereas in this film, the action is grounded in reality, and so much of it is in camera," the actor told Entertainment Weekly. "So, it's a different energy, and the preparation is a lot more extensive."

While "Extraction 2" is highly anticipated, fans of the franchise may not know that the series is based on the lesser-known graphic novel "Ciudad." In fact, the source material never explored the plotline of "Extraction 2," putting the sequel in completely uncharted territory.

"Extraction" is a direct adaptation of the 2014 graphic novel "Ciudad." The novel is penned by Ande Parks, Joe Russo, and Anthony Russo. The two brothers later went on to produce the Netflix adaptation of their graphic novel. Joe, meanwhile, is also responsible for penning "Extraction" and the sequel's script. In an interview with Polygon, Joe Russo explained why the graphic novel was brought to the big screen. The writer and producer said that "Extraction's" immersive and visceral action sequences simply couldn't be replicated on pages. "You can't get that compulsive narrative that viscera can't get that but you can certainly tell a visual story, but you can't convey that level of immediate intensity," he discussed. 

While "Extraction" and "Ciudad" both feature a similar narrative, there are major differences between the two. Perhaps the biggest change is the setting. "Ciudad" takes place in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay. "Extraction," meanwhile, was set in the bustling city of Dhaka, Bangladesh.In "Ciudad," Rake is rescuing a young Brazilian girl, while in the film he's seen helping a Bangladeshi boy. 

Of course, "Ciudad" never spawned a sequel, unlike the film adaptation. However, at one point, a more authentic version of "Ciudad" was meant to hit the big screen. A 2012 report from Variety reveals that Dwayne Johnson was once attached for the lead role in "Ciudad." The report also suggests that The Russo Brothers were once on board to direct the film, though that iteration of the film never manifested.