Though Hitman (2007) – starring Timothy Olyphant (Justified) as Agent 47 – more than made back its estimated production budget of $24 million at the box office, it was not received well by either film critics or fans of the video game series on which the movie was based. Aside from criticisms regarding the writing/story, one of the biggest complaints about Hitman was that Olyphant (a solid actor in his own right) was woefully miscast as the eponymous hitman.
Now, five years later, Fox is ready to reboot the franchise with a new title – Agent 47 – and a new star – Paul Walker of the Fast and Furious franchise.
According to Deadline, the Hitman reboot will be written by Skip Woods (A Good Day to Die Hard) and Michael Finch (Predators) and directed by Aleksander Bach, an award-winning commercials director. If Woods’ name sounds familiar – especially in connection with the Hitman franchise – it’s probably because he was the screenwriter on the first film, which implies to me that this “reboot” may have started out as a “sequel.” (Perhaps the negative stigma of the first film prompted producers to take the reboot route instead?)
Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, and Vin Diesel in ‘Fast and Furious 6′
Paul Walker will probably come off as an odd choice for the role of Agent 47 to fans of the video game series, especially considering the cries of miscasting with regard to Timothy Olyphant. The character of 47 is known for his grim demeanor and somewhat unpleasant appearance. Walker, on the other hand, is known for his goofy personality and boyish good looks. Can the uber-jock/big man on campus from She’s All That really pull off the soft-spoken, semi-sinister, and utterly intimidating Agent 47? Perhaps. But it’s doubtful he’s anybody’s first choice.
The Agent 47 announcement comes after a string of announcements regarding high profile film adaptations of video game properties in the works, including Assassin’s Creed starring Michael Fassbender, Splinter Cell starring Tom Hardy, and Deus Ex: Human Revolution directed by Scott Derrickson (Sinister). Though nary a single video game movie has yet to receive a score higher than 66% via Rotten Tomatoes, several – including the Resident Evil movies and Prince of Persia: Sands of Time – have been incredibly financially successful.
That success, coupled with the fact that the video game industry is fast becoming one of the most lucrative entertainment industries on the planet, probably has something to do with the sudden influx of video game movie projects going into pre-production. Hopefully, one of these forthcoming films amounts to more than just a massive amount of money at the box office.
What do you think, Screen Ranters? Do you think Paul Walker would make a good Agent 47? Let us know in the comments.
Agent 47 will start shooting this summer in Berlin and Singapore after Walker finishes promoting Fast and Furious 6.
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Follow me on Twitter @benandrewmoore.
Source: Deadline
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I think Walker as Agent 47 is just a bad idea. I’ve read on another website that even though the casting doesn’t fit the character the acting will make up for it like “Cruise in Reacher”, LOL. It’s just a bad idea. Diesel is a step up from Walker but not by much. Someone mentioned Matthew Fox. I think he can pull it off. The only thing great about Alex Cross was Fox’s character. I think he has what it takes to pull off Agent 47 and doesn’t mind shaving his head either LOL
Yeah, Matthew Fox would actually be pretty tight! Good thinkin’
Horrible Idea .. I can’t possibly see Paul Walker as Agent 47. Paul walker is a one-dimensional actor (I don’t even really consider him a real actor) who can only play one type of role — which is basically the type of character he plays in the fast and furious movies.
I’m actually a huge fan of the first hitman movie with Olyphant… i think it’s one of the better action movies out there that isn’t riddled with CGI type scenes.. Although there were a few scenes where Olyphant seemed to be reading his lines, I thought he was a perfect fit for Agent 47…
Yeah, he’s always playing the overly aggressive and overly cocky loudmouth who is waving his arms around in true alpha-male-king-of-the-monkey-rock fashion. So, basically exactly the opposite of what he needs to be for Hitman.
This is the result of Favors and promises being made in Hollywood. Ridiculous Casting Period
At least give the guy a chance. You never know, he may pull it. The people who comment on here are never optimistic unless it’s about a marvel movie, stop complaining so much.I bet when the movie turns out decent or better then expected, everyone is gonna jump on the bandwagon smh.
Hmm…is there something wrong with liking a movie you didn’t expect to be good?
I loved the first Hitman movie and honestly, I think Timothy Olyphant nailed it so to see Paul Walker cast as Agent 47 in a reboot is horrific.
It’d probably be better to go with an unknown (like Paul Walker only talented).
I think Olyphant was fine as the Hitman. I don’t play the video game but I think he pulled off the quiet assassin type well.
The movie was actually much better than I expected and was surprised by Olyphant’s turn as an action “hero” (I had only seen him as the villain in Die Hard 4.0).
I don’t think Paul Walker can be as intimidating as Olyphant was.
BOOM!!!!!!
I have the answer nobody can disagree with.
Will Smith.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHa. There’s a reboot for ya.
How about casting someone that actually LOOKS like Hitman? Can’t imagine him with this actor.
I’m hoping Walker pulls a Ledger and surprises everyone with the quality of his acting but frankly I don’t see it happening. Still rooting for him though he seems like a cool dude.
What about Bruce Willis? He’s perfect for the role!
Actually Brian Cranston is a bit too old but he has the right look, just minus the mustache. They need someone with a stone face and similar attitude. Someon cold, not suave, handsome or with a sense of humor.
I kinda agree on Cranston. But you’re right in that he’s probably too old. I always thought Jason Statham could have pulled it off… aside from the voice anyway.
vin diesel would be half decent b/c at least he would look BA and fit the physical side of 47. but walker is just pure garbage, no matter how hard he tries
walker ! that is a million times worst than tim
This movie is going to suck.
Prince of Persia movie successful? Interesting. Everyone else labeled it as a bomb (even though it was the highest grossing video game movie ever)
for Gods sake,olyphant was just fine
What the need is someone a bit older than Olyphant to play 47. Then they go and cast someone younger… *smh*
If they are going to do a “young” 47, I’ve been thinking. Stephen Amell wouldn’t be half bad. Assuming he could get away from his commitments to Arrow for a short while, I think he could pull in the ruthless methodical nature of 47 without too much added baggage. I really hope this film isnt going to be a quest for humanization of 47. We like him because he is cold, not because we want to see him be warm and fuzzy.
Definitely a bad idea. I’m thinking more josh brolin or even bryan cranston(even though he may be to old). Still, should be a waste of time and money.
Bad idea, simply bad. If Olyphant was miss casted walker is simply not a better choice.A shaved up Stephen Lang would be great
Very bad idea. Bring back Timothy Olyphant. The hell what people said he made the perfect Agent 47.
AGREED Timothy Olyphant was awesome in the original. And it was a damned good movie. Paul Walker looks nothing like the character.
IMO I think Paul Walker is one of the worst actors in Hollywood at the moment.
He’s got two modes, he’s either ‘the smooth, suave lover boy’ or “he’s seething with rage and throwing fits like a child’. How they decided on him for agent 47, I do not know.
Olyphant may not be right as rain for the role, but he’s sure better than Walker if you ask me.
*sigh*
Vinnie Jones would be perfect for the role imo. Paul not so much..
A quiet Jason Statham could easily be the embodiment of 47. He has the looks, the shoulders, the lean yet wiry frame.
With a good director to keep him on track a new film franchise could be born
This character and role was made for Jason Statham. There is no other clear choice. Timothy Olyphant did a good job with the film (poorly written), but to give this role to Paul Walker is a step down and just another example of bad casting that’s going to ruin a charactar that could do well converted to the Big Screen!
Walker MIGHT be good….but I’m having hard time believing it
No one mentioned Mark Strong (Kick-Ass). He would be my first choice, but I do think that PW can pull it off. He did very well in ‘Running Scare’.
Mark Strong!