Hitman TV Series Officially Cancelled After Long Development!
The highly anticipated Hitman TV Series, planned as a live-action adaptation for Hulu, has officially been scrapped after years in development. Filmmaker Derek Kolstad, known for creating the John Wick franchise, confirmed the cancellation in a recent interview, leaving fans disappointed.
Full Story Breakdown
For years, fans of the Hitman franchise had hoped to see Agent 47 brought to life on screen, expanding the universe beyond video games. Despite the excitement, production challenges and studio changes ultimately prevented the project from moving forward.
Derek Kolstad Reacts to the Cancellation
Kolstad shared his feelings about the project, 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 was previously attached as both executive producer and writer when the series was in development. His passion for the franchise was evident, but even a talented creator like Kolstad could not overcome the obstacles of turning a beloved game into a live-action series.
Development History of the Hitman TV Series
The Hitman TV Series was first announced in November 2017, with Hulu and Fox 21 Television Studios backing the project. Derek Kolstad was originally set to write the pilot episode, bringing his expertise from the John Wick franchise.
Despite initial enthusiasm, the project never progressed into production. Fox 21 Television was later rebranded as Touchstone Television under Disney, and the studio has not produced a new series since 2020.
Industry insiders suggest that the cancellation may have been influenced by the changing streaming landscape, as well as shifting priorities at Hulu and Disney+. These factors made it increasingly difficult for niche adaptations like Hitman to move forward.
Hitman Franchise Continues in Gaming
Although the TV adaptation has been cancelled, the Hitman franchise remains strong in the gaming world. IO Interactive, the developer behind Hitman, is currently focused on releasing its James Bond game, 007 First Light, scheduled for May 27.
The studio has also confirmed that the Hitman series will continue in the future, following the success of Hitman 3 released in 2021. Fans can expect new missions, expansions, and perhaps even innovative gameplay experiences that build on the franchise’s reputation for stealth and strategy.
The cancellation of the Hitman TV Series is disappointing, but fans can still celebrate the franchise’s ongoing impact in gaming. Agent 47 remains one of the most iconic characters in video game history, and IO Interactive continues to innovate within the franchise.
While a live-action series is no longer on the horizon, the games ensure that the world of Hitman remains alive, offering players immersive storytelling, challenging missions, and the chance to step into the shoes of the world’s most famous assassin.
Though Hulu’s series will not happen, the potential for future adaptations of Hitman is far from over. With the popularity of video game adaptations on streaming platforms, studios may eventually revisit the idea, perhaps with new creative teams or a different approach.
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