Wanted

Based upon Mark Millar’s explosive graphic novel series and helmed by stunning visualist director Timur Bekmambetov—creator of the most successful Russian film franchise in history, the Night Watch series—Wanted tells the tale of one apathetic nobody’s transformation into an unparalleled enforcer of justice. In 2008, the world will be introduced to a hero for a new generation: Wesley Gibson.

25-year-old Wes (James McAvoy) was the most disaffected, cube-dwelling drone the planet had ever known. His boss chewed him out hourly, his girlfriend ignored him routinely and his life plodded on interminably. Everyone was certain this disengaged slacker would amount to nothing. There was little else for Wes to do but wile away the days and die in his slow, clock-punching rut.

Until he met a woman named Fox (Angelina Jolie).

After his estranged father is murdered, the deadly sexy Fox recruits Wes into the Fraternity, a secret society that trains Wes to avenge his dad’s death by unlocking his dormant powers. As she teaches him how to develop lightning-quick reflexes and phenomenal agility, Wes discovers this team lives by an ancient, unbreakable code: carry out the death orders given by fate itself.

With wickedly brilliant tutors—including the Fraternity’s enigmatic leader, Sloan (Morgan Freeman)—Wes grows to enjoy all the strength he ever wanted. But, slowly, he begins to realize there is more to his dangerous associates than meets the eye. And as he wavers between newfound heroism and vengeance, Wes will come to learn what no one could ever teach him: he alone controls his destiny.

Directed by: Timur Bekmambetov
Written by: Michael Brandt, Derek Haas, Chris Morgan
Cast: James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman, Terrance Stamp, Common
Studio: Universal Pictures
Genre: Action
Official Site: www.wantedmovie.com
Release Date: June 27, 2008 (wide)
Trailer: www.youtube.com

Movie Trivia

- McAvoy had screen-tested for the role early in 2006 and was initially rejected because the studio looking for an actor who had conventional Hollywood leading-man looks and physique.

- The actor was later recalled as the "runt of the litter" of those tested. According to McAvoy, "They [finally] wanted someone geeky." The Scottish actor, who portrays an American in the film, trained for the movie action scenes.

- Comic book creator Mark Millar says he "did not like the first draft of the script" calling it "too tame" and "Americanized." He said Timur then came in and made it really nasty. He went closer to the spirit of the book. "

- Director Timur Bekmambetov said the film would keep the same characters of the mini-series, and although the director would take freedom in adapting the comic in the world. Millar says the first half of the film is close to the graphic novel and the film ends, although similar was it to elsewhere in the novel of the institution.

- The superhero costume in the graphic novel were lifted, except for the leather clothing worn by Wesley Gibson and The Fox.

- The story arc of the Fates issuing death orders for the new film, an addition Millar liked.

- The action will also free running and parkour in addition to chases and gunfights. The film will also be the first to use the Red One digital camera, a new program that has gained interest among cinematographers.

- In July 2006, screenwriter Chris Morgan was hired for the revision of the third act of the Wanted script written by Haas and Brandt. The script was rewritten by screenwriter Dean Georg Aris to the role of The Fox for actress Angelina Jolie. Haas and Brandt even back to the voice of Wesley Gibson, which they had established in their first draft.

- Wanted was initially set to be released in cinemas on March 28, 2008, but in December 2007, Universal has announced that it would be pushing back the release date on June 27, 2008.