Hitman TV Series from John Wick Creator Is Officially Cancelled, Derek Kolstad Confirms “Dead in the Water” Status

The long-anticipated Hitman TV series, penned by John Wick creator Derek Kolstad, is “dead in the water” according to Kolstad, who confirmed that no further development is happening on the project, nearly a decade after its original announcement.

The proposed live-action adaptation of IO Interactive’s acclaimed Hitman video game franchise, which was announced in 2017 with Derek Kolstad attached as writer, has now been confirmed as cancelled. Kolstad, best known for his work on the John Wick movies, responded directly to questions about the project’s status at the premiere of his latest film Normal during South by Southwest (SXSW) 2026 in Austin, Texas.

Hitman TV Project: Timeline and Confirmation of Cancellation

Derek Kolstad stated: “It’s a little bit of a dagger in the chest. Who knows nowadays, but it’s dead in the water. But, man, I love that thing, because I love that game and I love that character.” This definitive verdict came in direct response to questioning from The Direct, putting an end to hopes for the series amongst both Hitman fans and Kolstad’s action movie following.

The Hitman TV show was first announced in 2017, with Fox 21 Studios and Hulu (now owned by Disney) initially set to produce. Despite the initial excitement and Kolstad’s high profile, the project stalled over the years and never progressed into active production.

Detailing the challenges with moving video game adaptations forward in Hollywood, Kolstad added: “I can write a screenplay, but no one’s going to go out and buy the screenplay. You’ve got to make the movie, you’ve got to make the show. But nothing’s happening with that.” This statement closes the chapter on the previously announced television series based on IO Interactive’s stealth-action series starring Agent 47.

The Hitman Franchise and Hollywood Interest

The Hitman franchise previously saw two separate and poorly received big-screen adaptations, but hopes were high for Kolstad’s involvement given his track record with the John Wick series and other action projects. Despite the current wave of Hollywood adaptation of video game IPs, neither studios nor networks renewed interest in reviving the “Hitman” TV project.

• The Hitman TV show was announced in 2017 by Fox 21 and Hulu.
• Derek Kolstad, the creator of John Wick, was signed as lead writer.
• As of March 2026, the project is officially cancelled with no production or greenlighting by studios.
• IO Interactive has not commented on this latest cancellation, though a new Hitman game is reportedly “on the distant horizon.”

Kolstad reflected on the shifting Hollywood appetite for video game adaptations, noting the contradiction between the popularity of adapting gaming IPs and the lack of momentum for the Hitman series: “You’ve got to make the movie, you’ve got to make the show. But nothing’s happening with that.”

Meanwhile, the dynamic between games and film adaptations is reversing elsewhere: John Wick, Kolstad’s original film property, is currently receiving its own big-budget game produced by Saber Interactive. Industry speculation suggests this game could draw inspiration from the meticulous design and tactical gameplay found in IO Interactive’s recent Hitman titles.

Kolstad remains undeterred by the show’s demise, reportedly keeping one of Hollywood’s busiest schedules. For now, the possibility of a Hitman television adaptation is shelved, but the legacy of the world’s most infamous assassin remains alive in games, and perhaps, in future screen projects should Hollywood interest revive.

Key Facts – Hitman TV Series & Derek Kolstad’s Comments

• Project announced: 2017 (Fox 21 and Hulu, now part of Disney)
• Status as of March 2026: Cancelled, with zero prospects for revival according to Kolstad
• Derek Kolstad’s confirmation: “It’s dead in the water. But, man, I love that thing, because I love that game and I love that character.”
• Industry context: Numerous video game adaptations in Hollywood, yet Hitman TV fails to progress
• Related projects: Saber Interactive developing a John Wick video game inspired by IO Interactive’s Hitman design

For readers and industry observers alike, Kolstad’s direct statements spell the definitive end for this iteration of the Hitman TV series. IO Interactive’s property remains active with game releases, but the much-hoped-for television adaptation is, as Kolstad puts it, truly “dead in the water.”