The "Hitman: Agent 47" release date would no longer be in February of next year. Instead, it would hit cinemas on August 28, 2015 with Rupert Friend playing the title role, which was previously portrayed by Timothy Olyphant.
Movie Newz broke the news of 20th Century Fox studio's decision to bump the "Hitman: Agent 47" release date, which they formerly scheduled for launching on February 27, 2015. The movie is the film adaptation of the best-selling video game series created by Square Enix.
Screen Rant reported that before Friend landed the role, the studio has first given it to Paul Walker. But the "Fast and Furious" star's sudden demise prompted them to look for a replacement - and Friend fit the bill.
As it turned out, the upcoming movie is the rebooted version of "Hitman" that was directed by Xavier Gen and released in 2007, reported Screen Rant. Timothy Olyphant played the titular role.
The $30-million-dollar budgeted film did not exactly bomb at the worldwide box-office. In fact, it still garnered a considerable $69 million dollar profit. However, both the fans and critics' reaction was so underwhelming that 20th Century Fox had to change course, and turn the "Hitman 2" sequel into a reboot instead.
Did the studio's sudden change of plans resulted to their moving the "Hitman: Agent 47" release date?
So far, the studio has not offered any explanations connecting the delay to the changes of the movie format from a sequel to a reboot. Aside from Rupert Friend, the movie also stars Hannah Ware as Katia and Zachary Quinto as John Smith, reported HitmanAgent47.com.
Based on the actual game character, the film revolves around the action-packed and suspenseful tale of the skinheaded, highly trained assassin called the "Hitman." The genetically-modified agent turns into a hero when he attempts to keep a mysterious waitress safe from the hands of a nefarious group known as the Syndicate.
