CBS Films is gunning for a lucrative action series with American Assassin, hoping the best-selling novels from Vince Flynn and Kyle Mills will provide a backbone for the production and distribution company for years to come.
They’re starting with the origin story for CIA counter-terrorism operative Mitch Rapp (Dylan O’Brien, who I’m glad to see looking spry in his first production after the on-set accident for Maze Runner: The Death Cure). Fans will note some backstory changes from the book, even in this trailer, but the fundamentals remain the same. This is an action series rooted in modern global fears like terrorism, nuclear warfare, and unrest in the Middle East, all of which Rapp must combat while quelling his personal reasons for getting into the business.
Director Michael Cuesta has dealt in political themes before, most notably with his feature Kill the Messenger and the TV series Homeland. He may not be the biggest name to start the expected series, but he’s a quietly solid choice for the material.
Dependent on how well American Assassin weaves the political and personal intrigue into its violent selling points, and whether audiences get on board for the slightly familiar concoction, will determine if this is the launch of a long-lasting series.
American Assassin is directed by Michael Cuesta and stars Dylan O’Brien, Michael Keaton, and Taylor Kitsch. It will be released in the U.S. and the U.K. on September 15th, 2017. For international release dates, click here.
Do you think American Assassin will successfully launch a series? Let us know in the comments!
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