The Killer (2023)

The Killer Theatrical release poster Country USA Directed by David Fincher Release Date 2023 Language English Studio Archaia Entertainment Boom! Studios Panic Pictures Paramount Pictures Plan B Entertainment Distributor Netflix Main Cast Character Actor The Killer Michael Fassbender The Expert Tilda Swinton The Lawyer Charles Parnell The Client Arliss Howard

For the 1989 John Woo action film of the same name, see The Killer.

The Killer is a 2023 American action-thriller film from director David Fincher that stars Michael Fassbender. It tells the story of a professional assassin who has to deal with the fallout of a botched assassination attempt.

The film premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival and, following a limited theatrical release, was released internationally on Netflix on November 10, 2023.

The following weapons were used in the film The Killer (2023):

Pistols

Glock 43

The Glock 43 Gen 5 is the Killer's (Michael Fassbender) sidearm of choice. He uses it in a number of scenes and appears to have a whole stash of identical guns. It is often fitted with a compensator throughout the film, although the attachment is depicted as and even referred to as a sound suppressor. The gun dealer refers to it as "a subcompact Glock".

Glock 43 - 9x19mm Parabellum

Glock 43 Gen 5, one of many in the Killer's stash. Note the markings in case there was any confusion as to the specific model.

The vertical slits in the "suppressor" are a dead giveaway. This is a compensator, not a suppressor.

The Glock 43 being fired. Obviously not suppressed despite the SFX suggesting that it is.

The gun is even featured in the poster. With the fake suppressor/compensator, too.

M1911-style Pistol

The Brute (Sala Baker) uses an M1911-style pistol to defend against the Killer during the home invasion scene.

Colt M1911A1 - .45 ACP

The Brute searches for the Killer with M1911 in hand.

Walther PPK

At one point, the Killer contemplates purchasing a Walther PPK.

Walther PPK - .32 ACP

Gun dealer: "What's your pleasure, my man? .380? Good enough for James Bond".
The Killer handles the iconic 007 gun.

Gun Dealer Handguns

In Chicago, the Killer meets with an illegal gun dealer to acquire a new weapon. Despite being offered multiple handguns, he settles on another Glock 43.

The Dealer has some beautiful handguns on offer. From left to right are two Glock pistols (one possibly being the 43 the Killer purchases), a Springfield Armory XD9 Tactical, a Smith & Wesson Model 442 (which the dealer refers to as a "gut-ripping .38"), and a Browning Hi-Power.
Above these offerings is a Colt Mk IV Series 70, a SIG-Sauer P238, and a few unidentifiable pistols. The dealer mentions having a Desert Eagle available, but it is not seen.

Rifles

Nemesis Arms Vanquish (suppressed)

Thanks to its high-tech looks, the Nemesis Arms Vanquish is a popular sniper rifle among Hollywood hitmen, and The Killer (Michael Fassbender) is no exception. The Killer notably re-assembles the rifle multiple times during the opening scene of the movie, removing and re-attaching the barrel and the scope. While it may seem unrealistic (most shooters try to avoid disturbing the rifle after it has been setup and zeroed), it might be okay in the case of Vanquish thanks to its precision manufacturing and bolt-nut attachment of the barrel. The high-power optics cannot be identified as the brand markings were probably masked by the props team.

At one point, the Killer mentions subsonic bullet; a reasonable choice for the mission in question given close proximity to the target and dense urban area he finds himself in.

Nemesis Arms Vanquish - 7.62x51mm NATO

The distinct silhoutte of the Vanquish.

The Killer uses the scope as a monocular for observing his target.

The rifle is mounted on a table.