The Hitman franchise has been thrilling audiences for decades, with its stealthy gameplay, clever plot twists, and, of course, its iconic protagonist, Agent 47. Since the release of the 2015 film, Hitman: Agent 47, fans have been wondering: is there a movie after Hitman Agent 47? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Agent 47, exploring the franchise’s history, the 2015 film’s reception, and what the future might hold for this beloved character.
A Brief History of the Hitman Franchise
Before we dive into the specifics of the 2015 film and its potential sequel, let’s take a step back and examine the Hitman franchise as a whole. Based on the popular video game series created by IO Interactive, the franchise has spawned numerous games, novels, and films since its inception in 2000.
The first Hitman film, released in 2007, starred Timothy Olyphant as Agent 47 and received mixed reviews. Despite this, the film performed moderately well at the box office, paving the way for a sequel. In 2015, Rupert Friend took over the role of Agent 47 in Hitman: Agent 47, which we’ll discuss in greater detail later.
The Reception of Hitman: Agent 47
Hitman: Agent 47, directed by Aleksander Bach, received a lukewarm response from critics and audiences alike. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 9% and a Metacritic score of 28, the film was largely panned for its convoluted plot, poor character development, and lack of originality.
Despite its negative reception, Hitman: Agent 47 did moderately well at the box office, grossing over $84 million worldwide. However, considering the film’s estimated budget was around $35 million, the returns were hardly spectacular.
What Went Wrong?
So, what contributed to the film’s lackluster performance? Several factors likely played a role:
- Poor script: The film’s convoluted plot and weak character development made it difficult for audiences to become invested in the story.
- Lack of originality: Hitman: Agent 47 was criticized for borrowing heavily from other action films, failing to bring anything new or exciting to the table.
- Misuse of the source material: Fans of the video game series were disappointed by the film’s departure from the games’ core themes and tone.
The Future of Agent 47
Given the mixed reception of Hitman: Agent 47, it’s natural to wonder what the future holds for Agent 47. Will we see a sequel or reboot, or has the franchise reached its expiration date?
Rumors of a Reboot
In 2017, it was reported that a reboot of the Hitman film franchise was in the works, with Paul Overstreet attached to direct. However, there has been little to no update on this project since the initial announcement.
More recently, in 2020, it was rumored that a new Hitman TV series was in development, with IO Interactive partnering with HBO and producer Derek Kolstad (John Wick). While this project seems more concrete, no official announcements have been made regarding its status or release date.
The Potential of a TV Series
A TV series could be an excellent way to breathe new life into the Hitman franchise. With the rise of streaming services and the success of shows like Narcos and Peaky Blinders, it’s clear that audiences are hungry for high-quality, action-packed dramas.
A Hitman TV series could explore the character’s origins, delving deeper into his backstory and motivations. By doing so, the show could attract both fans of the video game series and newcomers alike, providing a fresh take on the character while staying true to his core essence.
What Do Fans Want?
When it comes to the future of Agent 47, fans have a clear vision of what they want:
- A faithful adaptation: Fans crave a film or TV series that stays true to the source material, capturing the essence of the video game series.
- Better storytelling: A more cohesive, well-written narrative that explores Agent 47’s character and the world of Hitman.
- More action and stealth: Fans want to see more of Agent 47’s signature stealth gameplay and intense action sequences, which have made the video game series so beloved.
The Importance of Listening to Fans
It’s crucial for any reboot or adaptation to listen to the fans and take their feedback into consideration. By doing so, the creators can ensure that the final product is something that resonates with audiences and does justice to the franchise.
Conclusion
While there may not be a direct movie after Hitman Agent 47, the future of Agent 47 is far from certain. With rumors of a reboot and a potential TV series, it’s clear that there’s still interest in this beloved character.
Ultimately, the key to success lies in staying true to the source material, providing a well-written narrative, and delivering the high-octane action and stealth gameplay that fans crave. By doing so, Agent 47 can continue to thrive, entertaining audiences for years to come.
| Hitman Film/TV Adaptations | Release Year | Starring | Rating (Rotten Tomatoes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hitman (2007) | 2007 | Timothy Olyphant | 35% |
| Hitman: Agent 47 (2015) | 2015 | Rupert Friend | 9% |
In conclusion, the Hitman franchise has a rich history, and while the 2015 film may not have lived up to expectations, there’s still potential for Agent 47 to shine in the future. By listening to fans, staying true to the source material, and delivering high-quality storytelling and action, the franchise can continue to thrive and entertain audiences for years to come.
What is the Hitman franchise about?
The Hitman franchise is a series of stealth-based action-adventure games developed by IO Interactive. The games follow the story of Agent 47, a genetically enhanced assassin with a barcode tattoo on the back of his head. The franchise has been around since 2000 and has spawned several games, novels, and movies. The series is known for its dark humor, puzzle-solving, and sandbox gameplay, allowing players to complete objectives in creative ways.
In the games, Agent 47 takes on various missions to eliminate targets, often accompanied by a mysterious handler, Diana Burnwood. The story is full of twists and turns, exploring themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of playing god. The franchise has gained a cult following and critical acclaim for its unique blend of action, stealth, and strategy.
What are the different Hitman games?
The Hitman franchise consists of several games, including Hitman: Codename 47, Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, Hitman: Contracts, Hitman: Blood Money, Hitman: Absolution, Hitman (2016), and Hitman 2 (2018). Each game builds upon the previous one, introducing new mechanics, locations, and storylines. The series has undergone significant changes over the years, from its early days as a more linear experience to its current format as an open-world, episodic series.
The 2016 game, simply titled Hitman, marked a significant shift in the franchise’s direction, adopting an episodic structure with new locations and missions released regularly. This format allowed for more flexible storytelling and a focus on creative, community-driven play. The 2018 game, Hitman 2, built upon this foundation, introducing new multiplayer features and a more polished gameplay experience.
What about the Hitman movies?
The Hitman franchise has been adapted into two live-action movies: Hitman (2007) and Hitman: Agent 47 (2015). The first film, starring Timothy Olyphant as Agent 47, received mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office. The second film, starring Rupert Friend as Agent 47, fared no better, with critics panning its poor storytelling and lack of coherence.
Both movies attempted to condense the complex, layered storytelling of the games into a condensed, Hollywood-friendly format. Unfortunately, this led to a loss of the series’ nuance and charm, resulting in films that failed to capture the essence of the Hitman franchise.
What’s the current state of the franchise?
As of 2022, the Hitman franchise is in a state of flux. IO Interactive, the developer behind the games, has gone independent and is currently working on a new, unannounced project. The episodic structure of the 2016 game has been put on hold, with no new content released in recent years.
Despite this, the franchise remains beloved by fans, who continue to create and share custom levels, challenges, and mods. The community remains active, with many eagerly awaiting news on the next installment in the series.
Is there a future for Hitman?
While there’s no official word on a new Hitman game, IO Interactive has expressed interest in continuing the series. The studio has a strong track record of innovation and creativity, and many fans believe they will eventually return to the franchise that made them famous.
In the meantime, fans continue to speculate about potential directions for the series. Some hope for a return to the open-world, sandbox gameplay of the 2016 game, while others envision a new, more experimental approach. One thing is certain: the Hitman franchise remains a beloved and iconic part of gaming culture.
Can I still play the old Hitman games?
Yes, many of the classic Hitman games are still playable today, either through existing copies or via digital stores like GOG and Steam. While some of the older titles may show their age, the core gameplay and charm of the series remain intact.
In recent years, IO Interactive has re-released several classic Hitman games as part of the Hitman HD Enhanced Collection, offering improved graphics and performance. These releases have allowed new generations of players to experience the early days of the franchise.
What do fans want from the next Hitman game?
Fans of the Hitman franchise are eager for a new installment that builds upon the strengths of the 2016 game. Many are hoping for a return to the open-world, sandbox gameplay that allowed for creative, emergent play. Others desire improved multiplayer features, such as a more robust contracts mode.
Above all, fans want a game that respects the core identity of the franchise, embracing its dark humor, stylish visuals, and clever level design. With IO Interactive’s track record of innovation, many fans are optimistic that the next Hitman game will exceed their expectations.