Mads Mikkelsen appears as Le Chiffre, the iconic James Bond villain, in the upcoming Hitman: World of Assassination game, giving players a new and unique target for Agent 47. This marks a shift for both fans of the Hitman series and those familiar with the James Bond franchise, as the crossover brings fresh dynamics to the long-running stealth action series, making the experience even more engaging.
The announcement came following IO Interactive’s major 2025 showcase, where Mikkelsen, known for his role in Casino Royale, joined David Bateson, the voice behind Agent 47, to discuss their involvement. They reflected on the history that brought them together, including an earlier film collaboration where, ironically, Mikkelsen’s character killed Bateson’s character, echoing the ruthless power struggles found in both the Hitman and Bond universes.
A Past Collaboration Sets the Stage
Before taking on the roles of Le Chiffre and Agent 47, Mikkelsen and Bateson worked together in the short film Tom Merritt, a production based on Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology. While Bateson recalled this project as occurring in 1998 or 1999, Mikkelsen corrected the timeline, indicating it was actually in 1994. Their collaboration was marked by a dramatic love triangle, with Mikkelsen’s character attempting to seduce Bateson’s on-screen wife, demonstrating the charged performances that would later define their respective careers in gaming and film.
During the Q&A, Bateson reminisced about a memorable moment from the film set:
“Mads and I worked on a small film together back in [1998, 99],”
—David Bateson, Actor (Agent 47)
In a lighthearted exchange, Mikkelsen clarified:
“94,”
—Mads Mikkelsen, Actor (Le Chiffre)
Bateson provided more detail about the scene and how Mikkelsen’s approach created an unforgettable moment:
“So I lean across to the director, and I’m going, wait a minute. That’s not very sexy. And I’m looking at him doing it live, and then I look at the monitor, and something was insane. It was brilliant. It was sexy and raw and just, oh, I’m gonna, I’ll let you finish and then you’re mine. The point is, I leaned across to the director, during the take, and I whispered to him, does Mads know what he’s doing? And the director said, ‘I don’t think so, but don’t tell him.’ Because it was insanely good.”
—David Bateson, Actor (Agent 47)
Bond Universe and Hitman Collide in a Unique Crossover
For players eager to see Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre in Hitman game content, IO Interactive is making the experience even more compelling. Those who successfully eliminate Le Chiffre within 30 days will receive a rare in-game reward, the 007: First Light. Despite the crossover, IO Interactive emphasizes that 007 First Light is positioned as a “distinct and separate universe,” even as famous faces like Mikkelsen’s Le Chiffre appear in the Hitman world.
IO Interactive has also confirmed that 007: First Light will feature additional characters from across the classic Bond films, offering players greater choice in how to leverage the relationships and rivalries that define the spy thriller genre. With the introduction of these major characters into a new game context, expectations are high for memorable player-driven encounters, whether through stealth, strategy, or direct confrontation.
During the discussion, Mikkelsen humorously described his surprise at learning Bateson was Agent 47, sharing:
“I walked into the room today and the guys were pitching me the game and I was watching it, and all of the sudden, the hitman comes in and I’m like, wait a second, is that David? So yeah, it was my very first thing I ever did, and I got to shag his wife and kill him, so let’s see what happens in this game.”
—Mads Mikkelsen, Actor (Le Chiffre)
Longstanding Rivalry Brings Fresh Energy to Gaming
The chemistry and rivalry between Mikkelsen and Bateson, dating back to their collaboration on Tom Merritt, brings an organic edge to their roles as Le Chiffre and Agent 47. Bateson underscored the long wait to share these stories with Mikkelsen and the audience, reflecting the enduring professional respect between the two actors:
“That was maybe a sign of what was to come. And I’ve waited 100 years to tell you this story of the talent I saw that day when he was still studying at drama school. Give it up for Mads.”
—David Bateson, Actor (Agent 47)
Impact on Fans and What Awaits
Bringing Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre in Hitman game content opens up a new chapter for both series loyalists and newcomers to stealth action gameplay. For long-time fans of Agent 47, the chance to engage a Bond villain as formidable as Le Chiffre is both a recognition of the franchise’s evolution and a signal of IO Interactive’s ambitions to blend cinematic storytelling with interactive challenges.
According to IO Interactive, even as 007: First Light expands the universe, the clear divide between the Bond and Hitman worlds allows players to enjoy both experiences without narrative overlap. This approach highlights the studio’s commitment to innovation while respecting established identities within the genres.
As anticipation builds ahead of the game’s release, fans can expect further crossovers, surprises, and new ways to interact with legendary characters such as Agent 47 and Le Chiffre, as IO Interactive continues to bridge worlds through inventive storytelling and memorable performances.
