The Hitman franchise has been a staple of the gaming industry for over two decades, with its unique blend of stealth, strategy, and action captivating gamers worldwide. One of the most iconic characters in the series is Agent 47, the genetically enhanced assassin with a barcode tattooed on the back of his head. But with the release of the 2015 film Agent 47, many fans were left wondering: is this a sequel to the Hitman games, or a standalone story?
The Origins of Agent 47
To understand the connection between Agent 47 and the Hitman franchise, we need to take a step back and explore the origins of this enigmatic character. Agent 47 was created by Danish developer IO Interactive and first appeared in the 2000 video game Hitman: Codename 47. The game’s storyline follows 47, a genetically engineered assassin created by a secret organization known as the Agency, as he takes on various missions to eliminate high-profile targets.
Over the years, the Hitman series has evolved, with new games and iterations introducing new characters, plot twists, and gameplay mechanics. However, Agent 47 has remained a constant presence throughout, becoming an iconic character in the gaming world.
The Film Adaptations
In 2007, the Hitman franchise made its debut on the big screen with the release of Hitman, starring Timothy Olyphant as Agent 47. The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising Olyphant’s performance but criticizing the storyline and pacing. Despite this, the film was moderately successful, grossing over $100 million worldwide.
Fast forward to 2015, and the release of Agent 47, starring Rupert Friend as the titular character. The film was billed as a reboot of the franchise, with a new storyline and a fresh take on the character. But is Agent 47 a sequel to the Hitman games, or a standalone story?
The Storyline of Agent 47 (2015)
The 2015 film Agent 47 follows the storyline of a young woman named Katia Van Dees (Hannah Ware), who is being pursued by a Syndicate agent named John Smith (Zachary Quinto). As Katia delves deeper into her past, she discovers that she is the key to unlocking the secrets of the Agent program, which created 47.
Meanwhile, 47 is tasked with eliminating Katia, but he soon discovers that his creators are trying to replicate the Agent program, and he must protect Katia from those who seek to exploit her genetic material. Along the way, 47 must confront his own identity and the nature of his existence.
Is Agent 47 a Sequel to Hitman?
So, is Agent 47 a sequel to Hitman? The answer is a resounding no. While the film takes inspiration from the Hitman games, it does not continue the storyline of the previous film or games. Instead, it offers a fresh take on the character and the world of the Agent program.
In an interview, producer Adrian Askarieh stated that the film is a reboot of the franchise, with a new continuity and a new take on the character. This is evident in the film’s storyline, which deviates significantly from the games and the previous film.
That being said, the film does pay homage to the games in various ways. The title sequence, which features a stylized barcode motif, is a nod to the games. Additionally, the film’s action sequences and set pieces are reminiscent of the games, with 47’s signature stealth and precision on full display.
A New Continuity
One of the most significant aspects of Agent 47 is its attempt to establish a new continuity for the franchise. By rebooting the series, the filmmakers aimed to create a fresh start for the character and the world of the Agent program.
This new continuity raises questions about the connection between the film and the games. While the film’s storyline is not directly connected to the games, it does explore similar themes and ideas. The concept of the Agent program, the genetic engineering of 47, and the cat-and-mouse game between 47 and his creators are all elements that are present in both the games and the film.
A Shared Universe?
Could Agent 47 be part of a shared universe with the Hitman games? While there is no direct connection between the two, it’s possible to imagine a scenario where the events of the film take place in a parallel universe or an alternate timeline.
In an interview, Rupert Friend stated that he would be open to reprising his role as 47 in a potential sequel or TV series. This raises the possibility of exploring the character’s backstory and the world of the Agent program in more depth, potentially even connecting the film to the games.
The Legacy of Agent 47
Despite receiving mixed reviews, Agent 47 has had a lasting impact on the Hitman franchise. The film’s attempt to reboot the series and establish a new continuity has paved the way for future adaptations and interpretations of the character.
The success of the film has also led to a renewed interest in the Hitman games, with IO Interactive releasing new titles and content. The franchise’s popularity has also inspired new adaptations, including a forthcoming TV series and potential new film projects.
In conclusion, while Agent 47 is not a direct sequel to the Hitman games, it is an important chapter in the franchise’s history. The film’s attempt to reboot the series and establish a new continuity has raised new questions and possibilities for the character and the world of the Agent program.
As the Hitman franchise continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Agent 47 will remain an iconic character in gaming and pop culture, with his barcode tattoo and trademark suit a symbol of stealth, sophistication, and deadly precision.
| Hitman Games | Release Year | Platform(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Hitman: Codename 47 | 2000 | PC |
| Hitman 2: Silent Assassin | 2002 | PC, PS2, Xbox, GameCube |
| Hitman: Contracts | 2004 | PC, PS2, Xbox |
| Hitman: Blood Money | 2006 | PC, PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360 |
| Hitman: Absolution | 2012 | PC, PS3, Xbox 360 |
| Hitman (2016) | 2016 | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
Note: The table above lists the mainline Hitman games, excluding spin-offs and remastered versions.
Is Agent 47 a direct sequel to the Hitman film series?
Agent 47 is not a direct sequel to the Hitman film series, but rather a reboot of the franchise. The 2015 film ignores the events of the previous two movies, Hitman (2007) and Hitman: Agent 47 (2014), and serves as a new origin story for the character of Agent 47. This allows the filmmakers to start fresh and explore new themes and storylines while maintaining the core elements of the Hitman franchise.
By rebooting the series, the filmmakers aimed to create a more faithful adaptation of the video game series, which has a dedicated fan base. The new film provides a clean slate for the franchise, enabling the story to unfold in a more authentic and engaging way. This approach also allows the filmmakers to target both existing fans of the video game series and new audiences who may not be familiar with the franchise.
What is the connection between Agent 47 and the Hitman video game series?
The Agent 47 film is closely tied to the Hitman video game series, with the movie’s storyline drawing inspiration from the games. The film’s script was developed in collaboration with IO Interactive, the developers of the Hitman video game series, to ensure that the movie stays true to the spirit of the games. This collaboration enabled the filmmakers to incorporate elements from the games, such as the iconic score and the character’s skills and abilities, into the film.
The connection between the film and the video game series is further strengthened by the casting of Rupert Friend as Agent 47, who was chosen for his resemblance to the character in the games. The film’s action sequences and stunt work were also designed to mirror the gameplay experience, providing fans of the series with a sense of familiarity and authenticity. By embracing its video game roots, the Agent 47 film offers a unique and engaging cinematic experience.
Why did the filmmakers choose to reboot the Hitman franchise?
The decision to reboot the Hitman franchise was motivated by a desire to create a more faithful adaptation of the video game series. The previous two films, Hitman (2007) and Hitman: Agent 47 (2014), received mixed reviews from critics and fans, who felt that they strayed too far from the source material. By rebooting the franchise, the filmmakers aimed to start anew and create a film that would better capture the essence of the games.
The reboot also provided an opportunity to update the franchise for modern audiences, incorporating contemporary themes and technologies into the story. This allowed the filmmakers to explore new ideas and directions, while maintaining the core elements that fans of the series love. The reboot approach also enabled the filmmakers to target a new generation of fans, who may not have been familiar with the previous films or the video game series.
What is the storyline of Agent 47, and how does it differ from the previous films?
The storyline of Agent 47 follows the character of Agent 47, a genetically engineered assassin, as he uncovers a conspiracy related to his past and the creation of the Agent program. The film’s narrative explores themes of identity, humanity, and the ethics of genetic engineering, offering a more complex and thought-provoking storyline than the previous films.
The storyline of Agent 47 differs significantly from the previous films, which focused more on action and spectacle. The new film takes a more grounded and realistic approach, delving deeper into the character’s motivations and emotions. This shift in tone allows for a more nuanced and engaging story, which better aligns with the tone and themes of the video game series.
How does Agent 47’s storyline connect to the Hitman video game series?
The storyline of Agent 47 draws inspiration from the Hitman video game series, particularly the 2016 game Hitman, which introduced a new storyline and characters. The film’s narrative explores similar themes, such as the creation of the Agent program and the conspiracies surrounding it. The film also incorporates elements from the games, such as the character of Diana Burnwood, who appears in both the film and the games.
While the film’s storyline is not a direct adaptation of any specific game, it captures the essence and spirit of the Hitman series. The film’s focus on the character’s origins and the conspiracies surrounding the Agent program mirrors the games’ exploration of these themes. This connection between the film and the games helps to create a sense of continuity and authenticity, making the film feel like a natural extension of the franchise.
What is the significance of Agent 47’s character development in the film?
Agent 47’s character development is a significant aspect of the film, as it humanizes the character and adds depth to the storyline. The film explores the character’s emotional struggle to come to terms with his past and his purpose, making him a more relatable and sympathetic character. This character development also provides a richer context for the film’s action sequences, making them feel more consequential and emotionally resonant.
The film’s focus on Agent 47’s character development also helps to distinguish it from other action films, which often prioritize spectacle over character. By investing time and effort into developing the character, the filmmakers create a more engaging and emotionally resonant storyline. This approach also enables the film to explore themes that are more mature and thought-provoking, such as the ethics of genetic engineering and the nature of humanity.
How does Agent 47 set the stage for future films in the franchise?
Agent 47 sets the stage for future films in the franchise by introducing a new storyline and characters, while also leaving room for exploration and development. The film’s conclusion provides a clear direction for the franchise, setting up potential sequels and spin-offs. The reboot approach also allows for a more flexible and dynamic approach to storytelling, enabling the filmmakers to explore different themes and directions in future films.
The film’s focus on character development and world-building also lays the groundwork for future films to explore different aspects of the Hitman universe. By establishing a rich and complex world, the film provides a foundation for future stories to build upon, enabling the franchise to grow and evolve over time. The success of Agent 47 has paved the way for a potential franchise, which could include sequels, spin-offs, and other media, further expanding the Hitman universe.