David Bateson has been the voice of Agent 47 for 25 years, marking an extraordinary level of consistency in the character’s portrayal. His journey with the Hitman series began somewhat serendipitously when he was at a studio working on a corporate project.
The developers of the first Hitman game, who were also at the studio, asked him to voice a character they were developing. Bateson was intrigued by the game’s film noir-inspired graphics, which reminded him of his favorite films like Blade Runner, and agreed to contribute his voice, initiating a long-lasting partnership.
Over the decades, Bateson has developed a profound connection to Agent 47, whom he considers a close friend. His dedication to the character has grown with each new game, and he feels a strong sense of responsibility regarding how Agent 47 is received by fans. This deep bond has been nurtured through Bateson’s portrayal and the evolving scriptwriting, with both elements maturing together over time.
Agent 47 is crafted to be a flexible character, capable of adapting to various roles and disguises. Bateson’s extensive familiarity with the character has allowed him to bring a unique, dry wit to the role. The collaborative effort between Bateson’s voice acting and the writers’ dialogue has led to a well-defined and engaging character, whose portrayal has become increasingly refined over the years.
The development of Agent 47 has been a joint effort, requiring close cooperation between the voice actor and the writers. Bateson notes that the dialogue is often tailored to fit his vocal interpretation of the character, creating a seamless and authentic representation. This ongoing collaboration has enriched Agent 47’s character, making each installment of the series feel cohesive and true to his established persona.
Bateson’s personal experiences have also influenced his portrayal of Agent 47. His childhood, marked by frequent relocations and feelings of being an outsider, has given him a deeper understanding of the character’s sense of adaptability and displacement.
This personal connection has enhanced the authenticity of his performance. As Bateson continues to voice Agent 47, it highlights the rarity of maintaining such long-term continuity with a single character amidst the frequent changes in voice acting and game development.
