Decoding the DNA: Are Hitman and Hitman: Agent 47 Connected?

Yes, the 2007 film Hitman and the 2015 film Hitman: Agent 47 are connected, but their relationship is more of a reboot than a direct sequel. Both films draw their inspiration from the same source: the critically acclaimed Hitman video game series centered around the enigmatic Agent 47, a genetically engineered assassin. While they share the same core concept and some overlapping creative personnel, they present distinct interpretations of the character and the Hitman universe. The connection lies in the shared source material, not necessarily a continuous narrative or consistent character portrayal.

The Shared DNA: Source Material and Core Concepts

Both films adapt the core tenets of the Hitman franchise. This includes:

• Agent 47: The bald, barcoded assassin who operates with deadly efficiency and a cool demeanor. His backstory as a clone (or in the 2007 film, a highly trained orphan) is central to his identity.
• The ICA (International Contract Agency): The clandestine organization that employs Agent 47, providing him with contracts and resources.
• Stealth and Disguise: Key elements of gameplay translated to the screen, emphasizing Agent 47’s ability to infiltrate secure locations and eliminate targets undetected.
• Moral Ambiguity: The Hitman games often explore the complexities of morality, forcing players to confront the consequences of their actions. This theme is, to varying degrees, present in both films.

Despite these shared elements, the execution and interpretation of these concepts differ significantly.

Divergent Paths: Character Portrayal and Narrative

The most significant difference between the two films lies in their portrayal of Agent 47.

• 2007 Hitman: Stars Timothy Olyphant as Agent 47. This film deviated slightly from the game’s canon, depicting Agent 47 as a highly trained orphan rather than a direct clone. The focus was on action and conspiracy, with a touch of noir.
• 2015 Hitman: Agent 47: Features Rupert Friend as Agent 47. This film returned to the clone-based origins of the character, emphasizing his genetic enhancements and emotionless demeanor. The plot revolves around finding Agent 47’s “daughter” and battling a technologically advanced organization.

The narrative styles also differ. The 2007 film leaned towards a more grounded, action-thriller approach, while the 2015 film embraced more over-the-top action sequences and a science-fiction element. The Games Learning Society, for example, often discusses the narrative choices in game adaptations and how they impact audience perception.

Creative Overlap and Divergence

While both films share the same source material, their creative teams largely differ. Hitman: Agent 47 shares only a couple of producers and one screenwriter with its predecessor. This change in creative direction contributes to the distinct feel and tone of each film. The decision to reboot the franchise suggests a desire to either correct perceived flaws in the original adaptation or to offer a fresh perspective on the character and his world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the connection between the two Hitman movies:

1. Which film came first, Hitman or Hitman: Agent 47?

   The 2007 film Hitman came first, followed by the 2015 reboot, Hitman: Agent 47.

2. Are Timothy Olyphant and Rupert Friend playing the same version of Agent 47?

   While they are both playing the same character, Agent 47, their portrayals differ significantly due to different creative visions and deviations from the original video game source material. The characters are not sequentially linked.

3. Why didn’t Timothy Olyphant return for Hitman: Agent 47?

   Timothy Olyphant stated that he was not interested in returning to the series and only took the role in the first film due to financial concerns after the cancellation of Deadwood.

4. Is Hitman: Agent 47 a sequel to Hitman (2007)?

   No, Hitman: Agent 47 is a reboot of the film franchise, not a direct sequel to the 2007 film. It retells the origin story of Agent 47 with a different cast and creative team.

5. Do I need to watch Hitman (2007) to understand Hitman: Agent 47?

   No, you don’t need to watch the 2007 film to understand the 2015 reboot. They are independent stories that share the same source material and core concepts.

6. Which film is considered more faithful to the Hitman video games?

   Generally, the 2015 film Hitman: Agent 47 is considered to be more faithful to the original video games in terms of Agent 47’s clone-based origins and his emotionless demeanor.

7. Are there any other Hitman movies planned?

   As of now, there are no officially announced plans for another Hitman movie. However, the popularity of the video game series suggests that future adaptations are possible.

8. What are the main criticisms of the Hitman movies?

   Common criticisms include deviations from the source material, inconsistent character portrayals, and over-the-top action sequences that stray from the stealth-focused gameplay of the Hitman games.

9. Who owns the rights to the Hitman franchise?

   IO Interactive currently owns the rights to the Hitman franchise, including the video games and related media.

10. Is Agent 47 a good guy or a bad guy?

    Agent 47 is typically portrayed as an anti-hero. While he is an assassin who kills people for money, his targets are usually criminals, tyrants, and other morally reprehensible individuals.

11. What makes Agent 47 unique?

    Agent 47 is unique due to his genetic engineering, his exceptional skills as an assassin, his ability to blend into any environment, and his iconic barcode tattoo.

12. How old is Agent 47?

    According to lore, Agent 47 was born on September 5, 1964, making him approximately 59 years old as of 2023.

13. What is the significance of the number “47” in Agent 47’s name?

    The number “47” indicates that he is the 47th clone created as part of a secret cloning project in the Hitman universe.

14. Where was Agent 47 born?

    Agent 47 was born in a Romanian asylum.

15. How did Agent 47 learn to be an assassin?

    In the original canon, Agent 47 was trained from a young age by Dr. Otto Wolfgang Ort-Meyer and his team of scientists in a secluded facility. In the 2007 film, he was an orphaned child trained from birth.

The Verdict

While Hitman (2007) and Hitman: Agent 47 (2015) share the same DNA – the beloved Hitman video game series – they exist as distinct entities. Think of them as siblings with the same parents but raised in different environments. They both aim to bring the world of Agent 47 to life on the big screen, but they do so with different interpretations and creative choices. Whether you prefer one over the other is a matter of personal taste. Both films offer a glimpse into the deadly and fascinating world of the iconic assassin. You can explore more about the learning aspects of video games and their adaptations at GamesLearningSociety.org.