No David Bateson, No Jasper Kyd; No Hitman?

It has come to my attention (and I do apologize for not knowing this and posting it sooner) that both David Bateson, the voice of Agent 47 and Jasper Kyd, the outstanding score composer of the Hitman franchise have been “unceremoniously” dumped by IO Interactive for the upcoming Hitman game, Aboslution.

I’m almost at a loss for words right now; more appropriately I’m at a loss for words in trying to understand this unusual move by IOI.  Shockingly David Bateson himself only found out details of his own axing because of an individual from Hitmanforum contacting him personally to inform/ask what was going on; “His response was, alarmingly, indicative of the studio dropping the actor quite unceremoniously“.  David has asked that no one post his private emails on forums or other media outlets.  We here at FRAGtopia will honor and respect David’s wishes.  You can read more about this story and what you can do via this Hitmanforum Thread.

It saddens me to suggest this, but does this development truly put an end to the Hitman franchise?  Can true Hitman fans look past this and accept what is to be?  I can’t actually tell you which side of the fence I’m on right now.  On the one hand I can see how a “true Hitman fan” would look past this to enjoy the upcoming game regardless.  And yet on the other hand I can’t help but agree with some who suggest that without David Bateson, there is no Hitman.

Let us know what you think on our forums! And please avoid posting emails found online or other directly from David himself; they will be removed immediately.

*As a quick update to this post there is an official “Reinstate David Bateson as Agent 47 in Hitman Absolution” petition now online.  I urge all of you Hitman fans to sign this petition!*