Will There Be a Hitman 3 Movie? The Future of Agent 47 on the Big Screen
The short answer is: highly unlikely, at least not in the form that was originally planned. The tumultuous history of the Hitman film adaptations, coupled with Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, effectively shelved the previously conceived plans for a Hitman 3 movie. However, the Hitman franchise, as a whole, maintains popularity and a future movie or TV project cannot be ruled out entirely.
The Hitman Movie Legacy: A Rocky Road
The Hitman video game series, renowned for its intricate level design, strategic gameplay, and the iconic Agent 47, has struggled to find a successful footing in the world of cinema. The initial two attempts, “Hitman” (2007) starring Timothy Olyphant and “Hitman: Agent 47” (2015) starring Rupert Friend, failed to capture the essence of the source material, ultimately disappointing both critics and fans. These movies were seen as simplified action flicks, lacking the depth and nuance that defined the Hitman games.
Disney’s Acquisition and the End of the Initial Hitman 3 Plans
The nail in the coffin for the original plans for a Hitman 3 movie came with Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox in 2019. With Disney’s family-friendly brand image, the prospect of a violent and often morally ambiguous franchise like Hitman being developed under their banner became increasingly improbable. Disney’s decision to cancel over 200 projects further solidified the fate of the envisioned Hitman 3 movie.
“Hit Man”: A Different Kind of Hit
It is important not to confuse “Hitman 3”, the nonexistent movie, with “Hit Man”, a 2023 action comedy film directed by Richard Linklater and starring Glen Powell. The film, which is not related to the Hitman franchise, is based on a Texas Monthly magazine article.
Hitman’s Enduring Appeal and Potential Future
Despite the lack of a direct Hitman 3 movie, the Hitman franchise continues to thrive in the gaming world. Hitman 3, the video game, was a commercial success and the franchise has been confirmed to continue, so the potential for a cinematic revival is still possible, though it would likely be a complete reboot. With the rise of high-quality video game adaptations, the Hitman franchise could be given another chance on the big or small screen. A successful adaptation would need to be able to properly showcase the strategic gameplay and moral ambiguity of the Hitman universe.
The Importance of Fidelity to the Source Material
Any future Hitman movie would need to be faithful to the source material, and include: the meticulous planning, the diverse methods of assassination, and the complex character of Agent 47. Successfully doing so can appeal to existing fans while also attracting a broader audience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hitman and its Cinematic Future
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Hitman series and its potential future on the big screen:
1. Are they making a Hitman 3 movie?
Currently, there are no active plans to develop a Hitman 3 movie. Previous plans were shelved after Disney acquired 20th Century Fox.
2. What is the new Hitman movie 2023?
There is no new Hitman movie in 2023. The film “Hit Man” is a completely separate project unrelated to the Hitman franchise.
3. Why did the Hitman movie fail?
The previous Hitman movie adaptations were not well-received because they failed to capture the essence of the games, simplifying the characters, gameplay, and storyline.
4. Will there ever be a Hitman 4?
While IO Interactive has not officially announced Hitman 4, they have confirmed that the Hitman franchise will continue beyond the World of Assassination trilogy.
5. Is Agent 47 a human?
Agent 47 is a cloned human designed to be genetically superior, known for his exceptional skills and distinctive barcode tattoo.
6. What is Agent 47’s IQ?
While not explicitly stated, it is generally believed that Agent 47 possesses an extremely high IQ, likely around 175 or higher, given his strategic thinking, adaptability, and comprehensive knowledge.
7. Is Agent 47 a villain?
Agent 47 is often considered an anti-hero. He is a paid assassin who eliminates bad people, blurring the lines between good and evil.
8. Can Agent 47 beat John Wick?
In a stealth scenario, Agent 47 would likely win against John Wick due to his superior planning and disguise skills. In a direct confrontation, it would be more evenly matched.
9. Does Agent 47 have a name?
Agent 47 does not have a birth name but uses many aliases, including Tobias Rieper, Metzger, and others, to maintain his anonymity.
10. What is the hardest Hitman mission?
Some of the hardest Hitman missions include “Untouchable,” “Club 27,” and “Freedom Fighters” due to their complex objectives and challenging environments.
11. Is Hitman game over?
No, the Hitman game franchise is not over. IO Interactive plans to continue the series beyond the World of Assassination trilogy.
12. Why didn’t they make another Hitman movie?
Plans for another Hitman movie were scrapped due to Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox and the studio’s shift away from mature content.
13. What will come after Hitman 3?
A new Hitman game, potentially titled Hitman 4, is expected in the future, continuing the story of Agent 47.
14. Is Hitman 3 inappropriate?
Hitman 3 is rated M for Mature, due to its blood, violence, strong language, and use of substances.
15. Do agents like 47 exist?
While there aren’t genetically modified assassins like Agent 47, real-world intelligence agencies often utilize individuals with specialized skills in covert operations.
The complexities of adapting video games to film have been documented and analyzed by scholars in many settings including those associated with the Games Learning Society and its related fields. See for example, GamesLearningSociety.org.
In conclusion, while a Hitman 3 movie in its originally conceived form is unlikely, the Hitman franchise still holds considerable potential for future cinematic adaptations. A successful revival would require a deep understanding of the source material, a commitment to delivering strategic gameplay on screen, and a willingness to embrace the moral ambiguity that defines Agent 47’s world.