Wanted (2008)
A pulse-pounding action thriller about a nobody who discovers he was born to be a killer.
Wanted - Movie Information
- Original Title: Wanted
- Release Year: 2008
- Directed by: Timur Bekmambetov
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 25, 2008 (United Kingdom - 18), June 26, 2008 (United States - R), June 26, 2008 (Canada - 14A), September 4, 2008 (Germany - 18), July 16, 2008 (France - 12), July 31, 2008 (Australia - M), August 22, 2008 (Brazil - 16), July 2, 2008 (Italy), September 12, 2008 (Spain - 18), June 26, 2008 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Wanted: Scigani (PL), ウォンテッド (JP), Wanted - Choisis ton destin (FR), 刺客联盟 (CN), Wanted (2008) (TH), Recherché (CA), Axtarılan (AZ), 刺客聯盟 (TW)
- Production Companies: Kickstart Entertainment, Universal Pictures, Spyglass Entertainment, Marc Platt Productions, Top Cow Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Wanted - Plot
Doormat Wesley Gibson is an office worker whose life is going nowhere. He meets an attractive woman named Fox and discovers that his recently murdered father - whom Wesley never knew - belonged to the Fraternity, a secret society of assassins which takes its orders from Fate itself. Fox and Sloan, the Fraternity's leader, teach Wesley, through intense training, to tap into dormant powers and hone his innate killing skills. Though he enjoys his newfound abilities, he begins to suspect that there is more to the Fraternity than meets the eye.
Wanted - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Wesley Gibson's explosive transformation begin:
Choose your destiny.
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Wanted - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Timur Bekmambetov
Main Cast
- James McAvoy
- Angelina Jolie
- Morgan Freeman
- Terence Stamp
- Thomas Kretschmann
- Common
- Kristen Hager
- Marc Warren
- David O'Hara
- Dato Bakhtadze
Writers
- Derek Haas
- Michael Brandt
- Chris Morgan
Producers
- Jim Lemley
- Jason Netter
- Iain Smith
- Marc Platt
Wanted - FAQs
Is Wanted based on a true story?
No, Wanted is not based on a true story. It is adapted from the 2003 comic book miniseries of the same name by writer Mark Millar and artist J.G. Jones, published by Top Cow Productions. The film takes creative liberties with the source material, reimagining the villains as assassins rather than supervillains.
What is Wanted about?
Wanted follows Wesley Gibson, a frustrated office worker who learns his estranged father was a master assassin. Recruited into a clandestine fraternity of killers, he undergoes brutal training to unlock his hidden abilities — only to uncover a dangerous conspiracy lurking within the organization itself.
Who are the main actors in Wanted?
Wanted stars James McAvoy as Wesley Gibson, Angelina Jolie as the enigmatic Fox, and Morgan Freeman as Sloan, the Fraternity's calculating leader. Supporting roles are filled by Terence Stamp, Thomas Kretschmann, Common, Kristen Hager, Marc Warren, David O'Hara, and Dato Bakhtadze.
What does the ending of Wanted mean?
At the end of Wanted, Wesley discovers Sloan has been fabricating assassination targets for personal gain. After Fox sacrifices herself to eliminate the corrupt Fraternity members, Wesley kills Sloan and breaks the fourth wall, directly challenging viewers about their own passive lives — a pointed commentary on complacency and self-determination.
What is the age rating for Wanted?
Wanted is rated R in the United States, meaning it is restricted to viewers aged 17 and older unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. The rating reflects the film's strong bloody violence, pervasive language, and some sexuality and brief drug use throughout.
Can bullets really curve in Wanted?
The curved bullet shots in Wanted are a fictional stylistic device inspired by the original graphic novel. While real-world physics do not permit bullets to curve in the manner depicted, the technique became one of the film's most iconic and widely discussed visual signatures, blending action spectacle with comic-book fantasy.
Where can I stream or watch Wanted?
Wanted is available to rent or buy digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Streaming availability may vary by region. Check JustWatch for the most current and comprehensive list of viewing options available in your area.
How long is Wanted?
Wanted has a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes (110 minutes). The film maintains a relentless pace throughout, balancing high-octane action sequences with character development as Wesley Gibson transforms from a passive office worker into a trained assassin.
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