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The Killer 2024

Movie · 126 min · English · August 23, 2024

Directed by John WooWritten by Brian Helgeland, Josh Campbell, Matt Stuecken

Starring Nathalie Emmanuel, Omar Sy, Sam Worthington, Diana Silvers, Saïd Taghmaoui

A 2024 American action thriller film, The Killer marks a remake of John Woo's 1989 Hong Kong original. Directed by John Woo, this film features Nathalie Emmanuel, Omar Sy, Sam Worthington, Diana Silvers, Eric Cantona, Tchéky Karyo and Saïd Taghmaoui in key roles. The story follows a professional assassin who refuses to kill a blind woman, resulting in conflict with former associates and a persistent detective.

Development of an adaptation began as early as the 1990s. Multiple screenwriters and directors were involved during this phase, though it never advanced beyond planning. In 2007, John H. Lee was set to direct with Woo producing, but the project did not move forward until 2015. At that time, Woo assumed directing responsibilities after Lee could not continue due to other commitments.

Universal Pictures officially unveiled the project in 2017, with contributions from Brian Helgeland, Josh Campbell, and Matt Stuecken on the script. The film experienced multiple casting and script adjustments. Notably, the lead role was originally intended for a female character before being changed to male, with Lupita Nyong'o initially cast but later replaced by Emmanuel.

Principal photography began in May 2023 and wrapped in February 2024, interrupted briefly by a month-long pause due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.

The Killer debuted in the U.S. on the streaming platform Peacock on August 23, 2024. Critics gave it mixed reviews and it earned multiple Taurus World Stunt Awards nominations.