I posted this on the Eidos US Hitman Forum in the hopes of creating awareness for an issue that is very dear to my heart. Have a look:
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We all know about the Hitman movie. Most of us are dismayed that Vin Diesel is portraying 47 in the movie. Nearly all of us are appauled about the rumors that Vin Diesel will voice 47 in subsequent Hitman games. There is still hope for us true Hitman fans, but we need numbers to create a voice loud enough for Eidos, 20th Century Fox, One Race, and Tigon to hear.
For those who don't know, David Bateson is "47". He is the voice we have come to recognize when we play the game. He is also the character model. Not just his face, but his whole body. The most important thing to know about David Bateson is that his is an experienced and accomplished actor, although nearly all his work was/is done in Europe.
Visit DavidBateson.dk. Review his resume, look at his video clip collection. Listen to his voice clips. See and hear for yourself. David IS 47.
I recently wrote Mr. Bateson, not expecting to get a reply. To my surprise, he did write back. I am confident it was him, and not a publisist, due to the frank nature of his words.
Here is most of the body of my letter to Mr. Bateson:
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I just wanted to write and tell you how fucking disappointed I am that you may not be playing 47 for the movie. I am a huge fan of the game series, and truly believe that it should be you. Let's face it, you're the voice and the character model. I've viewed some of your movie clips on your website. You're muscular like 47, too. You are 47.
Now, I'm not some crazy kid with a PS2. I turned 40 last July, but I do play on a PS2. I wish there was a way that we could petition 20th Century Fox to convince them to allow you to play 47. I sincerely hope that I am not the only one to write you concerning this matter. If you have plans, ongoing or not, to continue the fight for this part, and if you need allies, I would love to help rally some fans.
If it weren't you, I might not go to see it. In fact, that's a good idea. The petition could say "Cast David Bateson, or we won't see the movie". No offense to the European Union, but we both know that US movie revenues can make or break a film that is distributed internationally.
David, it's worth it for me, as a fan of the games, to see you and hear you. Please tell me if you like these ideas.
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(For privacy reasons, I am not posting his reply)
Mr Bateson is very disappointed that he did not have an opportunity to do a screen test for the role. It is his opinion that a "screen test would have done it".
He is also very aware of the power Hollywood has in the international movie industry, and knows that Vin's movie production company: One Race, and Vin's videogame developer: Tigon have thrown huge amounts of money at this project in order for Vin to secure the role.
The goal of this thread is to ask that anyone who believes that, after visiting the David Bateson link above, that David Bateson should, at the very least, be given a screen test, to sign into this thread. This thread is written to create awareness that there are fans all over the world that would consider not seeing the movie, or playing subsequent games, if they did not see or hear David Bateson's face/voice.
Most of us are aware of the "Six dgrees of Separation" theory. With that in mind, I would like to add a note that I hope would get to Mr. Diesel.
Every kid wants to be Superman. If they can't, then they want to meet Superman. If they can't, then they want to play Superman. If they can't, then they want to dream Superman.
Now, I'm not about to blow smoke up your ass, Mr. Diesel, but you're name will be on the bill for Hitman. Your decision to take on David Bateson will show the world that, throughout history, the man with the power is the man behind the man.
Mr. Diesel, give Mr. Bateson his shot?
It is important to remember that this thread may not do anything to change the course of the Hitman movie. Campaigns like this start very small. Eidos forum members can make it larger by replying. By telling friends who are registered to reply. By telling friends who aren't registered to register and reply.
If you believe in this idea then put this idea in your blog. Create a video and post it on Google Video, or YouTube (soon to be one in the same anyway). Post this idea on other related forums. I have posted this idea on us.PlayStation.com forums.
You can even do what I did. Write to Mr. Bateson. His email and phone numbers are on his website. I thought of calling him, but felt that would be terribly impersonal. I still think it would have been cool to hear 47's voice talking to me on my cell phone.
One final note: If you believe that Vin Diesel is perfect for the role, or feel another actor would do the part well, please don't reply to this thread. This thread's intention is to see that David Bateson get the opportunity to show all the parties involved with the Hitman movie that Mr. Bateson is 47.
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