Hulu scraps Hitman TV series despite John Wick creator's ambitious vision
A planned Hitman TV series for Hulu has been cancelled, despite high expectations. The project involved John Wick creator Derek Kolstad as both writer and executive producer. Kolstad had written a pilot script as early as 2017, hoping to bring Agent 47's story to life in a fresh way.
Hulu originally intended the Hitman series to be one of its flagship shows. Kolstad's involvement raised hopes for a stronger adaptation, given his success with the John Wick films. He had expressed a deep appreciation for the game and its protagonist, believing the character deserved a well-crafted screen version.
The cancellation comes after years of development. Kolstad admitted disappointment, noting that even a strong script doesn't guarantee a project's survival. Previous Hitman films, including the 2007 version starring Timothy Olyphant, were poorly received, and Olyphant himself later regretted taking the role.
While the Hitman series won't move forward, the broader landscape for video game adaptations remains promising. Recent shows like Fallout and The Last of Us have earned critical praise, proving that well-executed adaptations can succeed. Studios continue exploring new projects, with Blizzard announcing plans for series based on World of Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo.
The Hitman TV series will not proceed, ending Kolstad's vision for the franchise. Despite the setback, the growing success of other video game adaptations suggests that future projects may still find an audience. For now, Agent 47's next on-screen appearance remains uncertain.
