Taylor Kitsch Shines in New Thriller Series Highlighting Miscasting in 2010s Franchise Failure
The Rise of Taylor Kitsch: A Star’s Journey from ‘American Assassin’ to ‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’
Taylor Kitsch’s Transition from Supporting Roles to Leading Man
Taylor Kitsch’s career trajectory in recent years marks an impressive transformation. Known for his compelling performances in a variety of television series, Kitsch has risen to prominence with standout roles, most notably in ‘The Terminal List’. His portrayal in the 2022 series won him critical acclaim, leading to his own spinoff, ‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’. The character of Ben Edwards quickly became a fan favorite, leaving audiences eager to see if he survives for the much-anticipated second season.
Kitsch’s journey has been remarkable, especially considering his initial setbacks with high-budget projects like ‘John Carter’ and ‘Battleship’. However, his evolution into more complex and antiheroic roles, such as in ‘Dark Wolf’, showcases his ability to captivate audiences. Kitsch’s resurgence, particularly in ‘Dark Wolf’, highlights his skill in taking on nuanced characters and confirms his status as a leading man.
Why ‘American Assassin’ Missed the Mark with Kitsch’s Casting
In 2017’s ‘American Assassin’, based on the Mitch Rapp novels by Vince Flynn, Taylor Kitsch played the role of “Ghost”, a vengeful ex-CIA operative. Although Kitsch brought charisma and intensity to the role, the film missed an opportunity by not casting him as the protagonist, Mitch Rapp. The character of Rapp, a rebellious special operative, could have benefitted from Kitsch’s experience and gravitas, qualities not fully captured by Dylan O’Brien, who ultimately played the lead.
‘American Assassin’ hoped to launch a franchise with O’Brien, yet his youthful demeanor made certain scenes feel unconvincing, particularly opposite seasoned actors like Michael Keaton. A casting shift with Kitsch in the lead could have elevated the film’s reception, suggesting that a more experienced actor might bring a deeper and more believable layer to the character of Mitch Rapp.
‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’ Reinforces Kitsch’s Star Power
‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’ emerges as a standout, proving Kitsch’s ability to handle leading roles with depth and charisma. In the spinoff, his character, Ben Edwards, a troubled ex-Navy SEAL, offers viewers a more intense and morally complex narrative, outshining its predecessor. Kitsch masterfully navigates this world of CIA Black Ops, presenting a character that is both relatable and intriguing.
The series illustrates how Kitsch’s skills could have transformed ‘American Assassin’, especially given his talent in portraying characters like Edwards. The show also suggests that a revived Mitch Rapp adaptation, with Kitsch at the helm, could surpass existing iterations by offering a more authentic and mature take on the infamous CIA operative.
Lessons from ‘American Assassin’: The Future of Mitch Rapp
Though ‘American Assassin’ achieved modest success, its failure to establish a franchise left a gap in the action genre. The film grossed approximately $67 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo, but its response was lukewarm, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 34%. Setbacks like these underscore the importance of a strategic approach in rebooting the Mitch Rapp series.
There remains potential for a Mitch Rapp revival, should lessons be learned from the 2017 film. Kitsch’s portrayal of Edwards in ‘Dark Wolf’ suggests that he could excel as Mitch Rapp, rewriting the character’s narrative with deeper complexity and realism. Until a new adaptation emerges, fans are encouraged to watch ‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’, which offers a gripping exploration of espionage and moral ambiguity.
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