I decided to do some detective work on David Fincher’s “The Killer” this weekend. As far as it stands, save for the Scorsese, it’s the last remaining question mark of 2022.
The film wrapped production at the end of March, less than five months ago. A Netflix source tells me that “contrary to what many believe, David doesn’t take that long in post-production with his films, at least not as long as, say, Marty/Thelma. If I had to bet on it, [The Killer] will be released at the end of the year.”
Fincher’s go-to DP, Erik Messerschmidt, is ”hopeful” that “The Killer” will be released in 2022, calling the film “Fincher-esque.”
An Oscar pundit replied to my email by saying he’s been hearing there’s been post-production problems for many films this year, including this one. None having to do with the quality of the film and everything to do with [COVID].
Another writer, a friend of Fincher’s, says he’s still in post-production, “meticulously molding the film together.” They didn’t have anything further to add.
“The Killer” started production in November 2021 and wrapped shorting this past March. The film stars Michael Fassbender as an assassin who begins to psychologically crack as he develops a conscience, even as his clients continue to demand his skills. Tilda Swinton is also part of the cast.
“The Killer” is an adaptation of Alexis Nolent’s graphic novel series. ”Seven” screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker was hired to adapt Nolent’s novels.
So, in the end, my detective work didn’t really get many answers. It did, however, give us a sense of where we’re at in terms of its current status. Although “The Killer” might not look like awards fodder, it could be a late-breaking player purely on the basis of its director’s notoriety and an inevitable critical push via top 10 list recognition.
Of course, we all know the rule: take these reactions with a grain of salt rather than treating them as gospel. Still, I will say that the film tested like gangbusters earlier this year, and Lionsgate clearly has confidence.