Filipino martial arts in Hitman

MANILA, Philippines - Fresh off the success of Keanu Reeves’ ground-breaking action film John Wick, which Chad Stahelski directed and David Leitch produced that has finally redefined the action movie for the 21st Century, the pioneering duo bring its unique vision in stunt choreography in the latest game-to-movie total reboot of Hitman: Agent 47.  Directed by Aleksander Bach, a noted commercials director making his feature film debut, from a screenplay by Skip Woods (The A-Team) and Michael Finch (Predators) and a story by Woods, Hitman: Agent 47 stars Rupert Friend in the titular role along with Hannah Ware and Zachary Quinto.

“I’d say the action is heightened,” says Leitch, who doubled for Brad Pitt earlier in his stuntman career.

“They understand action in the best way that I’ve ever seen working on set,” enthuses Friend.

Their final confrontation highlights each man’s fighting style and strengths.  “It features a close quarter gun battle, the likes of which you haven’t seen before on screen,” says Valera.  “We’ve been trying to do something like this for a few years.  It’s hand-to-hand combat with contrasting styles.  Smith is stronger, but 47 tries to outsmart him.”

“47 is the opposite — he’s more linear and efficient in his movements,” Eusebio continues.  So we trained Rupert in Malaysian silat and Filipino kali martial arts ‘empty hands’ styles.”

Hitman: Agent 47 is now showing nationwide, from 20th Century Fox distributed by Warner Bros.