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The Killer (2023 film)

The Killer is a 2023 American action thriller film directed by David Fincher from a screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Killer is a 2023 American action thriller film directed by David Fincher from a screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker. It stars Michael Fassbender as an assassin whose failed hit triggers an international vendetta. The film is based on the French graphic novel series The Killer by Alexis "Matz" Nolent and Luc Jacamon.

Plot

The story follows an assassin who, after a failed hit, becomes involved in a global pursuit driven by revenge and conflict with his employers. The assassin's near-miss sets off an international manhunt.

Production

The film was directed by David Fincher and written by Andrew Kevin Walker. It adapts the French graphic novel series The Killer, created by Alexis "Matz" Nolent and Luc Jacamon.

Release

The Killer had its 2023 festival premiere and later received a limited theatrical release before becoming available on Netflix in November 2023. The film was distributed by Netflix.

Cast

Michael Fassbender leads the cast as the assassin, with supporting performances by Tilda Swinton, Arliss Howard, Charles Parnell, Kerry O'Malley, Sala Baker, and Sophie Charlotte.

Key facts

  • The film is directed by David Fincher and written by Andrew Kevin Walker.
  • Michael Fassbender plays the lead role of an assassin.
  • It is adapted from the French graphic novel series The Killer.
  • The film premiered in 2023 and was released theatrically in limited cinemas before streaming on Netflix.
  • Its premise follows a hitman whose near-miss sets off an international manhunt.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed globally by Netflix, so it was readily available to Canadian viewers through the streaming platform.[5][6]

Frequently asked questions

What is The Killer (2023 film)?
It is a 2023 American action thriller directed by David Fincher and based on a French graphic novel series.
Who stars in the film?
Michael Fassbender stars in the lead role, with Tilda Swinton, Arliss Howard, Charles Parnell, Kerry O'Malley, Sala Baker, and Sophie Charlotte in supporting roles.
What is the film based on?
It is based on The Killer, a French graphic novel series written by Alexis "Matz" Nolent and illustrated by Luc Jacamon.
Who directed The Killer?
David Fincher directed the film.
When was it released?
It had a 2023 release, with a limited theatrical run in October and a Netflix release in November 2023.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Killer_(2023_film)
    Supports: Core film identification, director, screenplay, cast, and adaptation basis.
  2. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Killer_(film,_2023)
    Supports: French-language source for the film's 2023 release and adaptation basis.
  3. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/80234448
    Supports: Official synopsis, cast listing, and Netflix availability.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_killer_2023
    Supports: Director, screenwriter, distributor, runtime, genre, and release dates.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1136617/
    Supports: Release date, country of origin, cast, and gross information.
  6. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-killer-film-review-2023
    Supports: Release timing and general description of the film's premise.