Salma Hayek takes charge in a new clip from The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard — slapping the heck out of Ryan Reynolds in the process. Directed by Patrick Hughes, the unexpected franchise began life back in 2017. Working from a script written by Tom O'Connor, The Hitman's Bodyguard starred Reynolds as the titular bodyguard, Michael Bryce, alongside Samuel L. Jackson's titular hitman, Darius Kincaid. Years after Darius assassinated one of Michael's assignments, the duo were thrown together to bring down the ruthless dictator, Vladislav Dukhovich (Gary Oldman). Though only receiving mixed reviews, the movie proved enjoyable enough for audiences and a sequel was rapidly greenlit.
With Hughes returning to the director's chair, the sequel will be set four years after the original. O'Connor once again penned the script (this time in collaboration with Brandon and Phillip Murphy). After also appearing in the first installment as the titular Hitman's Wife, Sonia Kincaid, Hayek will serve as the catalyst that spurs the hapless Michael back into hilariously ridiculous action. With Darius having been captured by the villainous Aristotle Papadopolous (Antonio Banderas), she'll recruit him for a rescue attempt. Oldman will also reprise his role, alongside new additions Frank Grillo, Morgan Freeman, and Tom Hooper.
A new clip released by Lionsgate Movies on Youtube revealed the moment Sonia and Michael are reunited. The scene continued the franchise's running gag of Michael being oblivious when chaos rages around him. In this instance, after a brief voiceover that explained Michael as being on sabbatical and seeking a life of peace, it occurred while he was trying to relax with a book. Ripping his headphones off, however, Sonia soon dragged him into a gun fight. Before he could fully express his desire to be left out of things, Sonia showed him who's truly the boss with a sharp slap in the face. "You are vile," he exclaimed in response, as she continued to push and pull him around. Check out the full clip below:
Reynolds previously teased that he would be slapped around a lot in The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard. Of those on the opposite end, he revealed that Hayek definitely hit the hardest. "For the record, it was Salma who didn’t pull the punches," Reynolds said. "Not even once. I can still feel the sharp sting of her tiny hand working its way into my soft Hollywood cheekbones. May God have mercy on her soul." That description could be more than felt in the scene above — with Reynolds' high-pitched squeal potentially not completely the result of acting. Either way, it highlighted the amusing dynamic the two characters will share.
The scene also emphasized Michael's no longer being able to use firearms or other lethal weapons. That will almost certainly play into prooceedings in both a dramatic and comedic fashion. Michael will instead have to use his wits and imagination to survive and save Darius, and will likely often need to be rescued himself by Sonia. Much like the first outing, the moments will absolutely be carried by the chemistry that Hayek, Jackson, and Reynolds have together. Funnily enough, all three actors are now part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hayek will debut later this year via Eternals. Jackson was confirmed to be returning for the Disney+ Secret Invasion series. And Reynolds crossing over for Deadpool 3. As such, their exploits in The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard will serve as a fun taste of potential future collaborations — within which Hayek would no doubt remain the boss.
Source: Lionsgate Movies
