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Wanted (2008 film)

Wanted is a 2008 American action thriller film directed by Timur Bekmambetov and written by Michael Brandt, Derek Haas, and Chris Morgan.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Wanted is a 2008 American action thriller film directed by Timur Bekmambetov and written by Michael Brandt, Derek Haas, and Chris Morgan. It is loosely based on the 2003–2005 comic book miniseries by Mark Millar and J. G. Jones and stars James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, and Morgan Freeman. The film follows an office worker who learns he is connected to a secret society of assassins known as the Fraternity.

Plot

The film follows Wesley Gibson, an office worker who discovers that his father was a member of the Fraternity, a secret society of assassins. Wesley is recruited and trained as he is pulled into a violent conflict involving the organization.

Production

Wanted was directed by Timur Bekmambetov from a screenplay by Michael Brandt, Derek Haas, and Chris Morgan. It adapts the comic book miniseries by Mark Millar and J. G. Jones, though the film is described as a loose adaptation.

Cast and characters

The principal cast features James McAvoy as Wesley Gibson, Angelina Jolie as Fox, and Morgan Freeman as Sloan. Other credited cast members include Terence Stamp, Thomas Kretschmann, and Common.

Release and reception

The film premiered in 2008 and opened in U.S. theatres on June 27, 2008. Available descriptions indicate it was generally well received for its fast pace and stylized action, and it went on to gross $342 million worldwide.

Key facts

  • The film is a loose adaptation of the comic book miniseries Wanted.
  • Its story centres on Wesley Gibson, who is drawn into the Fraternity after learning about his father’s past.
  • The cast includes James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, and Morgan Freeman.
  • It opened on June 27, 2008, and received generally positive reviews for its pacing and stylized action.
  • The film grossed about $342 million worldwide.
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Canadian context

Wanted was released internationally and is part of the mainstream Hollywood action film canon familiar to Canadian audiences; it has also been widely available through home video and streaming services in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Wanted (2008 film) based on?
It is loosely based on the comic book miniseries Wanted by Mark Millar and J. G. Jones.
Who directed Wanted?
Wanted was directed by Timur Bekmambetov.
Who stars in Wanted?
The film stars James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, and Morgan Freeman, along with Terence Stamp, Thomas Kretschmann, and Common.
When was Wanted released?
It opened on June 27, 2008.
How much did Wanted earn worldwide?
It grossed about $342 million worldwide.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wanted_(2008_film)
    Supports: Basic film credits, release date, plot premise, adaptation source, reception, and worldwide gross.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0493464/
    Supports: Plot premise and principal cast information.
  3. Time Out — https://www.timeout.com/movies/wanted-1
    Supports: Director, cast, release date, and genre description.
  4. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/70075479
    Supports: Plot synopsis and genre classification.