Wanted! Blockbuster hit for Russian director’s Hollywood debut

22 June, 2008, 17:17

An acclaimed Russian director’s latest film is making its red carpet debut this week – and its tipped be one the summer’s biggest Hollywood blockbusters.

Timur Bekmambetov’s ‘Wanted’ has already had plenty of hype and it’s no surprise given its stellar cast.

Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman, and James McAvoy are part of the mouthwatering line-up in the director’s first Hollywood feature.

The film is described as ultra-violent and tells the story of a nobody who learns he is the son of the world’s greatest-ever hitman. Fast cars, cool gadgets and breathtaking stunts are all part of the formula for what promises to be a landmark success.

The movie was inspired by the comic-book creation of Scottish writer Mark Millar. He believes the film should be much darker than the usual superhero movie adaption.

“I wanted the film to basically be the opposite of the Spider-Man movie,” he said. “The idea of someone getting powers and realising they can do what they want, then choosing the dark path.”

Bekmambetov was born in Kazakhstan, but made his name in Russia through hit sci-fi thrillers ‘Night Watch’ and ‘Day Watch’.

He said he was delighted that he was able to apply his vision for the film.

'Wanted' first hit the big screen in the UK, on June 25, and opened the next day in Russia.