Based on a hit comic book series, Wanted was one of the biggest hits of 2009 and gave Angelina Jolie one of the best roles of her career.
How much do you know about the assassin-based action film? Take a look and find out.
(Images: AllStar; Rex)
1
Mark Millar, who wrote the comic that inspired the movie, hated the first version of the script. His intention in writing had been to make the anti-Spider-Man, with a kid who discovers powers and uses them for wrong, but the studio script had made the anti-hero a good guy.
2
In the comic Wesley finds out his dad was a supervillain. This was changed to assassin in the movie for budgetary reasons.
3
[Spoiler] It was Angelina Jolie's idea that her character die. She thought that if Fox discovered she'd been killing people for no good reason she would want to take her own life.
4
James McAvoy was originally rejected for the role of Wesley because the studio wanted a classically handsome leading man. They came back to him when they realised the part worked better with someone more ordinary.
5
Angelina Jolie based Fox's quiet, serious nature on Clint Eastwood.
6
Before the producers signed McAvoy, Ryan Phillippe was committed to the lead role.
7
Halle Berry, who bears a very strong resemblance to the character in the comic book, Beyonce, Jada Pinkett Smith and Jessica Biel were all considered for the role of Fox.
8
A sequel was announced, with a budget of $150 million, and Fox, despite what happens in the movie, was going to be brought back. The plans fell apart when Angelina Jolie changed her mind about returning.
9
However, in 2012, screenwriter Derek Haas said he was working on a script that would see Wesley training up a new female recruit. McAvoy said he'd return if asked.
10
McAvoy had to spend six weeks in the gym to get into shape for the role. He claims he didn't set foot in the gym for a year after shooting ended.
11
The Dark Knight was shooting in Chicago at the same time as Wanted. Mark Millar was thrown off the set of The Dark Knight for trying to sneak on and get a look at the Batpod.
12
Common, who plays The Gunsmith, suggested to the producers that they make a prequel to explore the master assassins' lives before Wesley came along.
13
It was James McAvoy's casting that persuaded Angelina Jolie to sign on. She said that it the creators making such an "unusual choice" convinced her they were trying to do something different.
14
McAvoy said that the high protein diet required to keep him bulked up for the role caused excessive wind. Unfortunately, this struck most forcefully during the time he was filming car chase scenes with Jolie, offering her no means of escape from the enclosed space.
15
Wanted cost a relatively small $75 million to make and hoovered up $341 million at the international box office.
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