Image: IO Interactive via AFP Relaxnews
Previously the subject of two feature films, sharp-suited video game franchise “Hitman” is to become a television series under the supervision of “John Wick” writer and creator Derek Kolstad.
Derek Kolstad has already written one eminently successful thriller about high stakes assassinations in the “John Wick” and its three sequels; now, he’s on board to adapt popular video game franchise “Hitman” for streaming service Hulu.
Kolstad is writing the pilot treatment for Hulu and Fox 21 co-production “Hitman” and the networks intend for their adaptation to become a flagship series, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
He’s previously committed to another TV series, “The Continental” which springboards off an aspect of the “John Wick” franchise.
Starring Keanu Reeves, “John Wick” released in 2014 to an international box office revenue of $88 million Its 2017 sequel, “John Wick 2” grossed $171 million, with a Kolstad-penned “John Wick 3” due May 2019.
“Hitman” itself is no stranger to the episodic format, with 2016’s seventh franchise entry initially released in six parts over the course of an eight-month period.
Under the guidance of his handler at an international assassination and intelligence service, it sees the mysterious, bald-headed Agent 47 wind his way around the globe on a series of high stakes missions for a shadowy client, unveiling a web of subterfuge and conspiracy along the way.
With an introductory episode taking place within the grounds of a very Versailles-looking palace in Paris, France, “Hitman” took players on a multi-faceted tour of Sapienza in Italy, Johannesburg, Marrakesh, rural Colorado and New York City, and Bangkok, before finishing in Hokkaido, Japan.
According to the Hulu and Fox announcement, communicated through Deadline, the series will “hew closely to the mythology” of the video game franchise.
Fox previously released both “Hitman” (2007) and its reboot “Hitman: Agent 47” (2015) to theaters.
Reviews were largely unfavorable but the two films accumulated worldwide box office revenues of $182 million on a budget of $59 million.
Previously a part of “Final Fantasy” and “Tomb Raider” publishing company Square Enix, Danish “Hitman” game studio IO Interactive regained its independence in June 2017, taking rights to the title with it. JB
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