“I like killing people.
I mean, nothing gives me greater pleasure.”
“They’re outsiders,” says Jane Perry.
But she could also be talking about the actors themselves.
For both actors, auditioning for these roles was a serendipitous moment.
Perry adds: “They’re not your average people.
“And that worked okay for me, because Hitman himself is a little bit like that.”
Bateson has been the voice of Agent 47 in each of the franchise’s eight main games.
Jane Perry and David Bateson
So what drew these actors to their respective roles?
“I like killing people.
I mean, nothing gives me greater pleasure,” quips Bateson.
He notes how he wanted to flesh out the character, under the surface.
“Just a hint of it, almost like a haunting feeling.
And I think that aspect has developed over the years.”
Perry discusses the real life inspiration for Diana.
People are dying horrific deaths.
But it’s nice to have that dark humour,” says Bateson.
I love it so much.
I mean, it’s fun to play the seriousness of the mission briefings and that sort of thing.
So I just adore that about Hitman."
The relationship between Agent 47 and Diana has also developed over the course of the trilogy.
And I think if anything should ever happen to Agent 47, Diana would be absolutely devastated."
“I couldn’t see her working at a chippy or something,” quips Bateson.
He continues: “It’s been a three-game story arc, essentially.
And that has been a smorgasbord of storyline to tuck into.
For us, it’s not just been a one game independent story.
“I’d happily play Diana for the rest of.
I love her sophistication.
I love her intelligence,” says Perry.
“The relationship has matured and the game has gone on to another level,” says Bateson.
“It would be fabulous to be able to continue our relationship in a future example of this game.
These are all things that we associate with the Bond franchise as well,” says Perry.
Do Bateson and Perry have a favourite?
“I have two, because I’m a bit of a sick puppy,” says Bateson.
“Any or all chandelier deaths or a statue falling on you.
I just find that more amusing than shooting a sniper rifle from a distance.
Perry agrees, particularly with how humour undercuts the drama - something that’s key to Hitman’s appeal.
“They do set up a character as being super powerful and super dangerous.
Bateson, meanwhile, suggests London.
“I can push people under tube trains then,” he says.
“A murder on a double decker bus, or a taxi.”
Intrigue and murder on London’s underground - what could be more Bond?
