Vin Diesel starring in Hitman movie, possibly game

[UPDATE] Chronicles of Riddick Star to play Agent 47 in Fox's adaptation of Eidos and Io Interactive's actioner; Tigon Studios in talks to work on next game.

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When the sci-fi epic Chronicles of Riddick hit movie theaters last summer, it arrived alongside the release of its game tie-in, The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay for the Xbox (and later for the PC). Though the film was tepidly received, the game was a success, enjoying brisk sales and earning critical kudos, including a nomination for GameSpot's 2004 Game of the Year.

Part of the reason for Escape from Butcher Bay's success was the fact that Riddick star Vin Diesel is a lifelong gamer. The actor--who has publicly professed his love for games going all the way back to the paper-and-pencil Dungeons & Dragons--formed his own game production company, Tigon Studios, to oversee Butcher Bay's development by Swedish studio Starbreeze. The seriousness with which he took the Riddick game project is evident in the final product: Butcher Bay's voice acting and storyline were hailed as top-notch, and its innovative stealth-action gameplay coined the term "first-person stabber."

Now Diesel is poised to blur the line between games and film once again. Today's issues of the Hollywood Reporter and Variety are both reporting that the burly, bald badass has signed on to play Agent 47, the titular assassin of Eidos' Hitman series, on the big screen. Both trades say Diesel has struck a deal to star in and executive-produce 20th Century Fox's upcoming Hitman film project. Charles Gordon (Die Hard) and Adrian Askarieh (the forthcoming Spy Hunter) will produce the project, along with Eidos vice president of marketing and communications Paul Baldwin. No director is currently attached, and the film would not hit theaters until 2006--at the earliest.

[UPDATE] While the Hitman film is already locked down, Reuters is reporting that Diesel may be gunning for the game license as well. The trade said that Tigon Studios is preparing to hold talks with Eidos and Hitman's developer, Danish studio Io Interactive (Freedom Fighters), to have Diesel play 47 in a future Hitman game which would ship alongside the film. However, Diesel would not appear in Hitman: Blood Money, which is slated to ship for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 2 this fall.

One of Eidos' most popular series, the Hitman games follow the murderous exploits of Agent 47, a genetically enhanced assassin. Beginning with 2000's Hitman: Codename 47 for the PC, the Hitman series has followed 47 on dozens of international missions to eliminate various criminals, gun runners, drug dealers, crime lords, and other assorted unsavory elements. All installments of the game let players dispatch their targets with a variety of lethal methods, ranging from sniper rifles to poison vials.

65 Comments

  • reinholt65

    Posted Apr 2, 2008 2:47 pm PT

    I think Olyphant played the part as good as it could have been be played. Im glad it wasnt Diesel

    The movie itself could have been better but loved it anyway hope there will be a sequel!

  • ereekthegreat

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 11:12 pm PT

    vin diesal seems right for the part, but not because... well.... he's just kinda korny,. as for him being the new hitman in the actual game... well that will just ruin everything.

  • azasupernova

    Posted Oct 16, 2007 5:55 am PT

    They should get Clive Owen or something. Vin's just too B grade for me haha

  • kanedo

    Posted Sep 3, 2007 7:04 pm PT

    okay every1 you do all realise this post is actually incorrect as Jack-Du-Ripper has already pointed out Timothy Olyphant is playin 47 in the movie, check out the trailer at www.hitmanmovie.com

  • LycanBlacksoul

    Posted Aug 30, 2007 9:41 am PT

    Vin Diesel? As 47? Bwahahahahahaha!!!

  • Jack-Du-Ripper

    Posted Aug 9, 2007 3:06 pm PT

    just making sure. You guys know that the guy that the studio is using is Timothy Olyphant right? (crappy decision I know)

  • Bradley7777

    Posted Jul 29, 2007 3:28 am PT

    I think Vin Diesel would be well good at being Agent 47. He has done harder films than this so this should be a vacation for him.

  • Terri_Terri

    Posted Jul 19, 2007 6:47 pm PT

    yah tr00pa_26 I agree with you Jason Statham would be perfect!

  • tr00pa_26

    Posted Jun 30, 2007 7:20 pm PT

    they should have someone else as Agent 47.. I mean Vin could do really good for God of War's Kratos.. and thats a fact
    get Jason Statham for Agent 47

  • KoolioJulio

    Posted Apr 17, 2007 7:48 pm PT

    I like vin deisel being in the movie but i dont think they should put him in the next Hitman game. He's cool and all but they should keep it at the regular agent 47

  • coldmo

    Posted Feb 6, 2007 11:29 am PT

    will i think hes is a good looking killer vin d is cool

  • adr_vergara

    Posted Jan 19, 2007 7:30 pm PT

    althouqht vin diesel would be the best choice to perform agent 47 on the movie, i`m desagree on putting his face and voice on the next hitman game because 47 allready has taken roots on the games with his singular, calmed and polite voice. Besides, all of us (the Hitman series fans) are used to 47`s face so, please, don`t change his face for the next game.

    faithfully: a hitman series fan

  • djlotto

    Posted Jan 18, 2007 4:17 am PT

    i dont think Topher_Boy is right about Jason Statham playing 47 would be stereotyped into the role of a very simular "Transporter" i dont think people would watch a trailer and think transporter 3 cause transporter and hitman are totaly different all the movies are knd of the same but at the same time totaly different cause he made crank and that was similer to transporter but at same time completly different both movies are driving shooting killing hardcore fighting but the story makes them so much different so him playing 47 i think would be the same in some ways but at the same time the story makes it totaly different and you would no is not another transporter.

  • poopipoopoo

    Posted Jan 4, 2007 1:00 pm PT

    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465494/ actually Timothy Olyphant apparentally is going to be 47

  • Sybermutt

    Posted Nov 26, 2006 6:53 pm PT

    I think that Jason Statham would have made a better Hitman! Hes cool calm and convincing

  • red_linx

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:51 am PT

    vin diesel is so different from 47...47 is white,he has blue eyes and a normal nose...i think David bateson would be the perfect 47 cuz he is 47!!!!!!!!!the character face was made from his face and he has the same voice... vin diesel is the worst actor they could choose

  • Topher_Boy

    Posted Nov 13, 2006 11:30 am PT

    I agree with everyone once again, however, as much as Jason Statham would be a much better pick then Vin Diesel, Jason would just be stereotyped into the role of a very simular "Transporter." Don't you think as soon as a trailer came out everyone would say... TRANSPORTER 3.... Wait? Nevermind... Then again, if Vin appeared I'm sure a triple-triple X would aslo be thought of, he just got his xXx tattoo swapped for a barcode. This really aggrevates me to see the filmmakers do this. Being a film student, I would have said stay away from these A-List actors, and go for someone unknown. Isn't that what 47 is all about? He is a PERFECT assassin, he is only a shadow to all of his victims - a shadow of death that is. Not some meaty sillouhette with a deep voice and a pre-shaved head. - Oh, and if there is a love interest in the whole thing, that would be so cliche, and a complete downer for me. I know, it's every man's dream to save/ nail the girl in the end. But 47 has no emmotion, and the only person acceptable is Diane from the agency. Vin, you rock in "your" own films (Riddick), not as the silent assasin.

  • 006alectrvelyan

    Posted Oct 14, 2006 12:21 am PT

    47 is sooooooo cool. and evil. and NOT LIKE VIN DIESEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!anyone who casts him is a %@#*wit and should be shot. Jason Statham is cool. and evil. and kinda like 47. The people who think that: 1 - Vin Diesel looks like 47 are WRONG! 2 - Think he can act like 47 are WRONG! and 3 - Think that he should be 47 and WRONG!
    that is all

  • LuciferLord

    Posted Oct 4, 2006 4:56 pm PT

    The idea to put Vin Diesel in the role of 47 in a movie is bad.
    To put him in the role of 47 in a future game is even worse. It's a 3rd person shooter... i'd like to see what's in front of me every once in a while... but of course i wouldn't on account of the huge muscles and broad shoulders. Tools of the trade for every stealthy assasin (provided he doesn't forget to arm that bomb before he plants it on that car, or better yet blow himself up). Maybe he won't need fibrewire: he'll just headbutt a target to death. And everyone else in the room. Don't forget those innocent bistanders. Can't do without collateral damage for ol' Vinnie.
    Seriously, Vin Diesel is NOT the image of a professional hitman. He's the image of a professional soldier, one man army... but not a hitman and especially hot one with 47's standards.
    It would shatter the image of 47 in the mind of Hitman fans everywhere.
    Who are they going to get to play Diana?... Tina Turner?... come on...
    Sure hope ol' Vinnie is reading these comments. The public opinion is not to good on this cast.

  • druvindragmail

    Posted Sep 21, 2006 8:32 am PT

    David bateson should play the role of 47 , after all 47 was modelled after him including his appearence and voice.47 is a hitman who plans his attacks carefully and executes them to perfection using his silent assasin stealth and cunningness.When has vindy ever been silent ever??

  • OZRhino

    Posted Sep 6, 2006 9:56 am PT

    Jason Statham for sure,
    Vin Diesel doens't belong in Hitman, unless he's a target.

  • Killerrabbit123

    Posted Aug 31, 2006 5:30 pm PT

    Diesel would probably be better suited as Maynard John (I'm not saying anything, play Blood Money.) They are almost the same person.

  • jakeboudville

    Posted Aug 29, 2006 8:02 pm PT

    sweet!!

  • IKKF

    Posted Aug 27, 2006 3:12 pm PT

    I think Alex Navarro should be Agent 47. Not Vindy

  • nobodylive

    Posted Aug 20, 2006 12:26 pm PT

    Vin diesel?? WHY didnt they pick David bateson He is the voice of 47 And the character is based off of him!!! WHY?!!!!

  • Raziel2039

    Posted Aug 14, 2006 9:19 am PT

    Listen I am a big fan of the hitman games, I love the music, the atmosphere and the character. But when I think of Hitman, Vin Diesel sure as hell does not come to my mind to play agent 47. Diesel is someone who fits the part of someone who trys to look bad, is not sneaky, and when he takes out someone says a very cheesy one-liner. Agent 47 is someone with a high IQ, Stealthy, kills without emotion but when he does it he is quiet, quick and continues with his mission like nothing happened. To me that is not Diesel, and plus that, I see no similarities in the facial features or look between the two. I do agree with Jason Statham playing the part. Another person I have notice also that could play the part is Bruce Willis, now the reason I say that is if you ever have seen the movie "HOSTAGE" Willis is almost bald and has almost the same lines on his face as agent 47. With a little make up he could play the part. I think the only reason Dieasel is playing the part so his game studio can cash in on the next Hitman video game that will have his likeness and not Agent 47's likeness that we all know.

  • piztolero

    Posted Aug 9, 2006 5:25 pm PT

    Jason Statham, be the perfect 47 only he need shaved more cos when i see transporter 1 i fu"%!!!!!!!!!!! it is like 47, vin diesel is cool but he's small and got muscles and 47 is not a muscles guy.....

  • Crazy_Sam

    Posted Aug 9, 2006 10:46 am PT

    I agree that Jason Statham would be the perfect Agent 47. I, too, did though of 47 when I first saw The Transporter. Diesel is too big, too badass for the sophisticated Hitman that I know.

  • pb8185

    Posted Jul 19, 2006 11:31 am PT

    The obvious choice here is Patrick Stewart, am I right? Seriously Vin Diesel in the movie, ok. Vin Diesel in the next Hitman game? No.

  • nitros_rx7

    Posted Jul 17, 2006 10:34 pm PT

    Statham would be the perfect 47. He has the english accent, hes got the dont **** with me demanor. Also he doesnt even have to speak to look menacing he would whoop anyone. Vin is great and all but he would not, i repeat WOULD NOT. Look good as 47, cmon guys. Get a picture of Vin and of 47 and put them together.... nope it doesnt mix. Then get a pic of Statham in The Transporter and look at the pic of 47. Its perfect, BTW in the Transporter Statham kicks major ass. Moment I saw Transporter... thought of Agent 47. Statham would be perfect!!!!

  • Flipballer503

    Posted Jul 12, 2006 9:34 pm PT

    Vin D Dosent Really Have The silent assasin look 2 me i meen i can picture him silently sliting some 1s throat eather............2me Jason Statham should of been 47 when i watched the transporter hitman poped in2 my mind he shoud of been 47 in The Hitman Movie

  • The-Longshot

    Posted Jul 11, 2006 9:17 pm PT

    Omg please please make it Jason Statham he is almost the clone of the clone that is 47. Dont let diesel burn this movie, please.

  • gioser2004

    Posted Jul 9, 2006 6:32 am PT

    Yep.. Vin Diesel will represent well Mr 47... but I don't wanna see him take the place of 47 in any Hitman game... cause The Real 47' is special.

  • SHAZ101

    Posted Jul 3, 2006 11:53 am PT

    I'm fine with having Vin D. for the movie, as long as he doesn't screw it up, but if he has 47 modeled after him in the next game, I think someone just might call a hitman on him.

  • SunnySimantov

    Posted Jul 3, 2006 10:08 am PT

    Omg, it's a movie, let them do whatever they want. It isn't the precise movie-edition of the game, it's a moive inspired by the game franchise. So, Vin Diesel doesn't look like your wet dream aka 47, but he is a great actor. He can play a role like this even if he isn't the exact clone of a genetically engineered clone (47).

  • EsbenPyrallis

    Posted Jul 1, 2006 9:37 pm PT

    Jason Statham does not look like 47 at all. Funny how people want Kratos to be played by either Statham or Diesel also.

  • starboard

    Posted Jun 28, 2006 12:37 pm PT

    it would be a shame and a complete dishonour for a character like 47 to have vin diesel play his character (in movie and game). i am a great fan of hitman and i have played each of the games many times. vin diesel as 47 would be a complete rape. a shame for the serie and the end of it

  • alexander301

    Posted Jun 25, 2006 7:46 am PT

    This would be a great film possibly a 4/5 star.

  • A67special

    Posted Jun 24, 2006 8:57 pm PT

    btw when i first saw The Transporter, Jason Startman totally reminded me of 47. He's the only one i could see being 47

  • A67special

    Posted Jun 24, 2006 8:52 pm PT

    i have loved the Hitman series my whole life. in every game i ever play my display name is Number47 but i will not be seeing this movie. I cant believe vin diesel is going to try to pull off being the cool, refined killing machine that is 47. He isn't even close to the kind of person i could see looking through a sniper's scope waiting for the right moment to take his shot. He is so actiony and has such an attitude that sticks out and doesn't seem at all like the kind of person who can blend into a crowd the way 47 does.

    My biggest complaint: He doesn't look anything like 47!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    47 is white and has blue eyes! i understand he loves games and so do i, but being a white guy do you think i would do a good job playing Sigint in the movie of MGS3 jsut because im really good with electronics? The most they have in common is that they're both bald!

    I'm not saying vin cant act becasue i loved xXx and the fast and the furious and he writes some great films but i think someone should reevaluate this decision and go with someone else who can absolutely nail the character becasue i really dont want to see this movie turn out like the Wing Commander and Super Mario Bros movies did.

  • CitizenSwift

    Posted Jun 16, 2006 3:26 pm PT

    Yeah, Jason Statham immeditely sprang to mind. Glad we're all on the same page

  • The_evil_Nemesi

    Posted Jun 15, 2006 4:57 pm PT

    Jason Statham not only has the face, but he has the mood of Agent 47. Vin Diesel isn't as cold as Jason Statham. In The Transporter he is so good. I mean Vin Diesel shouldn't even have been thought of for the role.

  • laizy

    Posted Jun 12, 2006 9:29 pm PT

    I think Vin Diesel is the best actor for the job.

  • Shargon

    Posted Jun 10, 2006 4:58 pm PT

    i only say the just screw up av movie when the took vin diesel hes black for the first and he's also only musel boy i men like this 47 is musel but not body builder like vin 47 plays with style and he's pro he needs no super musels like vin and vin got zero style.. 47 need to be astyle actor

  • AlanSpell

    Posted Jun 7, 2006 1:55 pm PT

    Transporter Vs Vin Diesel from the google images and you will see what I mean. The movie don't need an "invincible killing machine"...

  • AlanSpell

    Posted Jun 7, 2006 1:51 pm PT

    He doesnt really look to 47, that was a really bad things to take Vin for that role.. specialy when we know for what kind of movie he is reputed for...

    That @#?& Hard

  • Sprinkleren

    Posted Jun 7, 2006 5:09 am PT

    I think Vin Diesel has a little too much *cough* belly.
    Like, his chin is a little floppy.

  • nowsspotter

    Posted Jun 3, 2006 5:00 am PT

    He will be a great Agent 47

  • vVoLVeRiNe

    Posted Jun 2, 2006 10:56 am PT

    need jason startman or w/e as agent 47!! vin disel looks like a tard

  • Beaner1

    Posted May 24, 2006 4:54 pm PT

    yeah Jason Statham is perfect, looks just like 47
    you guys ever see the movie Transporter?(the movie sux but it really shows that Jason Statham would make a good agent 47)

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