Wanted is a 2008 action thriller film directed by Timur Bekmambetov, based on the comic book miniseries by Mark Millar and J.G. Jones. The film stars James McAvoy as Wesley Allan Gibson, a disenchanted office worker who discovers that he is the son of a professional assassin and possesses extraordinary abilities. The cast also includes Angelina Jolie as Fox, Morgan Freeman as Sloan, and Terence Stamp as Mr. X. Released on June 27, 2008, the film combines stylized action with a narrative about self-discovery and revenge.
The story begins with Wesley living a mundane life filled with frustration and anxiety. His world is turned upside down when he meets Fox, who reveals that his father was an assassin murdered by a man named Cross (played by Thomas Kretschmann). After a series of violent encounters, Wesley is recruited into the Fraternity, a secret society of assassins led by Sloan. As he trains to harness his newfound abilities, Wesley learns to embrace his potential and confronts the challenges of his past.
One of the film's notable elements is its unique visual style, characterized by exaggerated action sequences, including the ability to curve bullets—a concept that became iconic in its marketing. Critics generally praised the film for its fast-paced narrative and innovative action scenes, although some pointed out weaknesses in character development and plot coherence.
Wanted was commercially successful, grossing approximately $342 million worldwide against an estimated budget of $75 million. It received two Academy Award nominations for Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing. Despite mixed reviews from critics—holding a rating of 72% on Rotten Tomatoes—the film has developed a cult following over the years for its blend of action and dark humor.
Overall, Wanted stands out in the action genre for its stylish execution and engaging premise, exploring themes of destiny and transformation while delivering thrilling entertainment.