Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard Image Reveals Antonio Banderas' Villain
A new The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard image gives fans of the 2017 action-comedy a first-look at Antonio Banderas' brand new villain in the upcoming sequel. The original film, The Hitman's Bodyguard, co-starred Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds as a mismatched bodyguard (Reynolds) and the hitman (Jackson) he's assigned to protect. Given the two have a past history, what should be an easy assignment gets complicated (and hilarious).
The buddy-cop film was a hit for Lionsgate (even if it wasn't a hit with critics) grossing over $180 million. The company quickly moved to bring the cast back for another adventure alongside original director Patrick Hughes. Joining Jackson and Reynolds in the sequel are Salma Hayek, reprising her role as Jackson's wife, Morgan Freeman, Frank Grillo, Richard E. Grant and, as the sequel's new villain, Banderas. The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard started filming in Europe way back in March of 2019 and was originally scheduled to open in theaters last summer. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the studio to delay the Hitman's Bodyguard 2 to August 20, 2021, almost a full year after it had been set to open.
As part of its new issue, Empire Magazine revealed a new image from the upcoming sequel, which includes a first look at Banderas as the still-unnamed, but stylishly dressed, villain who appears to have gotten the upper hand on the heroes (especially Reynolds' Michael Bryce, who particularly looks worse for wear).
Not much is known about the film at this point other than that Jackson and Reynolds' characters reunite to save Hayek's from another threat. One can presume from the image above that threat is indeed Banderas, and judging by the way their characters are interacting, it might not be much of a reach to assume Banderas and Hayek's characters have a past history together. This film will be the seventh one Banderas and Hayek have starred in together after first appearing in Robert Rodriguez's 1995 revenge-thriller Desperado.
Banderas can be seen next starring alongside Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg in the long-awaited adaptation of the popular video game Uncharted, making 2021 a busy year for the actor. Like that movie, The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard has an impressive cast. However, it's clear from the new image Banderas' character will stand out. It will be interesting to see him face off with Jackson, Reynolds, and Hayek on screen, especially because it seems his villain will be a formidable force. Hopefully, more information about Banderas' character is revealed ahead of The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard release this summer.
Source: Empire