A dramatic script turned into a hit action comedy in just two weeks
In short: The Hitman's Bodyguard began as a serious drama, but a frantic rewrite transformed it into the action-comedy that dominated the 2017 box office. While critics were divided on its execution, the undeniable chemistry between stars Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson turned this unlikely project into a global success.
Originally acquired by Skydance Media in May 2011, the screenplay by Tom O'Connor was initially recognized as a top unproduced drama on the Black List. However, the project underwent a radical shift just weeks before production began. In a frantic two-week period, the script was overhauled to pivot from its dramatic roots into the screwball action-comedy that eventually reached theaters in August 2017.
Directed by Patrick Hughes, the film follows the forced partnership between a disgraced protection agent, Michael Bryce, and a notorious hitman, Darius Kincaid. Their mission is to transport Kincaid from England to the International Criminal Court in The Hague to testify against a sadistic Belarusian dictator, Vladislav Dukhovich. The narrative relies on the friction between the two leads, who must navigate a treacherous journey while being hunted by Dukhovich's forces and a mole within Interpol.
The film's production was a sprawling international effort, with principal photography taking place across London, Amsterdam, and Sofia. Interestingly, while the script originally called for only one scene in Amsterdam, Hughes expanded the location's role after scouting the city's old inner core. The final product grossed over $176 million worldwide, despite a production budget estimated between $30 and 69 million.
Critical reception remained mixed, with many reviewers noting that the film relied heavily on the banter between Reynolds and Jackson to overcome a reliance on genre clichés. Despite this, the film demonstrated remarkable staying power at the box office, finishing at the top for three consecutive weeks in 2017. Its success eventually paved the way for a 2021 sequel, Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard, which reunited the core cast.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Hitman's Bodyguard
- Also: Wikidata — The Hitman's Bodyguard · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — The Hitman's Bodyguard: The Hitman vs. The Bodyguard · CC0
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