Why Brad Pitt Passed On Reuniting With David Fincher For The Killer Explained By Director

The Killer director David Fincher explained why he didn’t reunite with Brad Pitt for his new Netflix film, while also revealing why Michael Fassbender was chosen for the lead role. The film follows a jaded assassin who goes on a worldwide journey following a botched mission. Its dark premise aligns with other films from Fincher, including Pitt-led movies like Se7en and Fight Club.

However, while speaking with Rolling Stone, Fincher revealed Pitt decided not to join the cast of The Killer when the director pitched it to him in 2008. Fincher explained how Pitt saw the film as too downcast to join, but also detailed how Fassbender was chosen as the lead when the movie was finally made. Check out what Fincher had to say below:

I’d originally been thinking of Brad [Pitt] back in 2008. But his response had been, “Eh, a little too nihilistic for me.” OK, so, who? We needed someone who would embrace that aspect of the character. Then a dozen or so years later, when Andy and I were in the middle of hashing it out, I thought of Michael Fassbender. [I sent him the script with a note saying] “I’d love to send this to you to read, I don’t know what your life is like now, I know you’re racing…” And a few hours later, he called back and told me he was in.

Why Michael Fassbender Was The Perfect Choice For The Killer

Pitt is no stranger to playing major roles in darker films, with the ending of Fincher’s Se7en providing him with one of the gloomiest finales throughout his seasoned acting career. His decision to turn down The Killer underscores just how dark and often hopeless the movie can be. Because of the Killer’s own unflinching, unfeeling personality, the lead role required an actor who could embody those traits convincingly.

This makes Fassbender a perfect choice for the role, having played stoic roles like Walter One in Alien: Covenant during his career. He’s also no stranger to playing a villainous character, having portrayed a young Magneto in multiple X-Men films throughout the 2010s. Because of his familiarity with such similar roles, Fassbender’s detailed performance in The Killer stands out as a defining part befitting his acting abilities.

While it would have been interesting to see Pitt leading The Killer instead, it’s unclear if his portrayal could have captured the heartless aspects of Fassbender’s presentation. Because of this, it seems the role was filled in perfectly, exemplifying the actor’s ability to portray a morally gray protagonist. Even though Pitt wasn’t in the movie, Fassbender provides a highly memorable performance that helps bring the grusome Killer to life.