Whatever Happened to Agent 47 on the Big Screen? A Look at the Hitman Movie Franchise
The Hitman movies, adaptations of the wildly popular video game series by IO Interactive, have had a troubled and inconsistent journey on the big screen. In short, they failed to capture the essence and complexity of the source material. A combination of casting choices, script issues, studio interference, and a general misunderstanding of the character of Agent 47 ultimately led to a series of films that underperformed both critically and commercially, effectively stalling any further immediate cinematic endeavors. The franchise attempted reboots, recasts, and different creative approaches, yet each iteration seemed to miss the mark, leaving fans yearning for a truly faithful and compelling adaptation of the iconic assassin’s world.
A Rocky Road to Adaptation: Hitman (2007)
The initial attempt, simply titled Hitman (2007), starred Timothy Olyphant as Agent 47. While Olyphant brought a certain coldness to the role, many felt his portrayal lacked the depth and calculated precision that defined the character in the games. The film, directed by Xavier Gens, took liberties with the storyline, focusing more on action sequences and less on the strategic planning and subtle disguises that are hallmarks of the Hitman series. While it earned a modest profit, it was widely panned by critics and fans alike for its generic action movie tropes and deviation from the source material.
Hitman 2007’s story differs from the games in numerous ways, but most notably, the ending. The lack of proper introduction to Agent 47’s background and the reliance on action-packed sequences rather than strategic kills frustrated audiences.
Rebooting with Hitman: Agent 47 (2015)
Hoping to rectify the mistakes of the past, 20th Century Fox rebooted the franchise with Hitman: Agent 47 (2015), this time starring Rupert Friend in the lead role. The film, directed by Aleksander Bach, aimed for a more stylized and visually appealing approach. This reboot faced similar criticism. Friend’s interpretation of 47 was considered bland, and the plot veered into convoluted territory involving super-soldiers and corporate espionage. Although the action was arguably more faithful to the over-the-top nature of later Hitman games, the core elements of stealth, strategy, and meticulous planning remained largely absent. Like its predecessor, Hitman: Agent 47 underperformed, effectively putting the cinematic future of Agent 47 on ice.
The second attempt failed primarily because of the story. The intricate conspiracies and moral gray areas presented in the games were absent. Instead, the movie followed a straightforward narrative of genetically modified soldiers and their creators.
The Key Failures: Why the Movies Didn’t Work
Several factors contributed to the failure of the Hitman movies to resonate with audiences and fans:
- Misunderstanding the Source Material: The movies often prioritized action over strategy, failing to capture the essence of the Hitman experience.
- Casting Choices: Neither Olyphant nor Friend truly embodied the cold, calculating, and yet strangely charismatic Agent 47.
- Weak Scripts: The storylines were often convoluted, generic, and deviated significantly from the compelling narratives of the games.
- Studio Interference: Studio pressure to appeal to a wider audience may have diluted the unique aspects of the Hitman franchise.
- Lack of Faithfulness: Too many liberties were taken with the established lore, alienating hardcore fans.
The Future of Hitman on Screen
Despite the setbacks, the Hitman franchise remains incredibly popular in the gaming world. There is still hope that a future adaptation could finally do justice to the source material. Perhaps a television series, allowing for more in-depth character development and exploration of complex storylines, would be a more suitable format. The key is to prioritize faithfulness to the games, emphasizing stealth, strategy, and the intricate world of international assassinations. You can find more about the influence of games, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Hitman Movies
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the Hitman movies:
1. Who played Agent 47 in the first Hitman movie?
Timothy Olyphant played Agent 47 in the first Hitman movie, released in 2007.
2. Why was there a reboot of the Hitman movie franchise?
The reboot was an attempt to rectify the perceived mistakes of the first film and offer a more faithful adaptation of the Hitman video game series. The 2007 film was considered underwhelming by critics and fans.
3. Who played Agent 47 in Hitman: Agent 47?
Rupert Friend played Agent 47 in Hitman: Agent 47, the reboot released in 2015.
4. How did the Hitman movies perform at the box office?
Both Hitman (2007) and Hitman: Agent 47 (2015) earned profits, but they were considered underwhelming compared to their budgets and the popularity of the video game series.
5. Were the Hitman movies well-received by critics?
No, both Hitman movies received generally negative reviews from critics, who criticized their weak scripts, deviations from the source material, and generic action movie tropes.
6. What were the main criticisms of the Hitman movies?
The main criticisms included poor casting choices, convoluted storylines, a lack of emphasis on stealth and strategy, and a general failure to capture the essence of the Hitman games.
7. Did the Hitman movies follow the storylines of the video games?
While the movies borrowed elements from the games, they often deviated significantly from the established storylines and lore. They introduced new elements that clashed with the established universe.
8. Will there be another Hitman movie?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for another Hitman movie. The underperformance of the previous films has made studios hesitant to invest in another cinematic adaptation.
9. Would a Hitman TV series be a better format for adaptation?
Many fans believe that a TV series would be a more suitable format, allowing for more in-depth character development, exploration of complex storylines, and faithful representation of the stealth and strategy elements of the games.
10. What makes Agent 47 such a compelling character in the games?
Agent 47 is compelling due to his cold, calculating demeanor, his meticulous planning, his mastery of disguises, and his complex moral code. The blend of precision and ruthlessness makes him a unique and captivating character.
11. What are some of the key elements that a good Hitman adaptation should include?
A good Hitman adaptation should prioritize stealth, strategy, meticulous planning, faithful representation of the character of Agent 47, and complex, engaging storylines that capture the essence of the games.
12. Have the actors who played Agent 47 played other notable roles?
Yes. Timothy Olyphant is known for his roles in Deadwood, Justified, and Santa Clarita Diet. Rupert Friend has appeared in Homeland, The Death of Stalin, and Anatomy of a Scandal.
13. Why did the studios choose to reboot the Hitman franchise instead of continuing the original series?
The studios likely chose to reboot the franchise because the first film was considered a disappointment both critically and commercially. Rebooting allowed them to start fresh with a new creative team and attempt a more faithful adaptation.
14. What are some popular fan theories or ideas for a future Hitman adaptation?
Some popular fan theories include exploring Agent 47’s backstory in greater detail, focusing on the relationship between 47 and his handler Diana Burnwood, and adapting specific storylines from the most popular Hitman games.
15. What other video game adaptations have been successful?
While many video game adaptations have struggled, some notable successes include Sonic the Hedgehog and The Last of Us. These successes often prioritize faithfulness to the source material and feature strong writing and performances. These successes prove a good video game movie can be adapted for modern audiences.