Xavier Gens’ 2007 film Hitman was probably not on anyone’s shortlist of films that need to be remade.  It was mediocre in virtually every way a film can be mediocre, despite a fairly compelling performance from Timothy Olyphant.  However, even after being nearly unanimously panned, the film turned a profit off its modest budget, and a reboot is coming our way whether we like it or not.

The Hitman reboot, titled Agent 47 has had a tumultuous start.  The film was originally slated to star Paul Walker as the titular assassin, Agent 47.  Following Walker’s death in November, Fox was left in search of a new leading man.  It was announced earlier this month that Rupert Friend, of Homeland fame, will step into the role.  But a hit man is nothing without someone to shoot at, and Zachary Quinto is the first to step into the line of fire.

Quinto’s role in the film is, as of now, completely unknown.  His roles in Heroes, American Horror Story, Margin Call, and Star Trek have showcased his impressive range, so it’s difficult to assume whether he will play friend or foe to Friend’s Agent 47.  Both actors have a talent for dark and emotionally complex characters, and Agent 47 could be a successful vehicle for them.

Agent 47 will be directed by first-timer Aleksander Bach.  The film was penned by Skip Woods and Michael Finch.  Finch wrote an excellent script for Predators and seems capable of building on franchise mythology.  Woods’ track record is far spottier, having penned the mediocre original Hitman, the fun and irreverent A-Team, and patently awful A Good Day to Die Hard.  So while it may be too early to tell whether there’s a lot of talent behind the camera, it’s looking like there will be a decent amount in front of it.