It’s become a norm to adapt video games into adaptations. Be it Castlevania, Arcane, or Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, a game adaptation proves to be a massive hit. Hitman, however, was doomed from the beginning, and here’s why.
‘Hitman’ TV series live-action gets axed
In an exclusive interview with Deadline, Derek Kolstad addressed Hitman’s cancellation, saying, “No… It’s a little bit of a dagger in the chest. Who knows nowadays, but it’s dead in the water. But, man, I love that thing, because I love that game and I love that character.”
“But the problem is, I can write a screenplay, but no one’s going to go out and buy the screenplay. You’ve got to make the movie, you’ve got to make the show. But nothing’s happening with that man, sadly.”
Kolstad is the creator and mastermind behind the John Wick franchise. He is a screenwriter and producer who has worked primarily in the action genre. There’s one common theme that follows through in his movies, and that is a hitman/assassin trope. Be it John Wick or Nobody, the central characters are elite and skilled combatants. It makes perfect sense why Kolstad would want to work on Hitman.
Hitman, as a game, is highly revered and praised by gamers across the globe. It’s got excellent and immersive gameplay and expansive worldbuilding along with superior graphics, but here’s how the cancellation ties in with the current scenario.
There are several projects, be it films or TV series, that are being dropped. It could be solely budget cuts or the acquisition of the film companies. Sometimes it’s also aided by poor reception, low ratings, and reviews.
In this case, however, this has to do with Kolstad not finding the proper venture. The idea was completely dropped before it could even be platformed, which is a bummer.
When asked if there were any hopes regarding the series, Kolstad said, “It’s dead in the water.” He is currently working on an action film, Painter, which will star Amber Midthunder and Walton Goggins in central roles.
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