Why Nicholas Hoult’s Heist Thriller Almost Took a Much Darker Ending

A Heist With Social Themes

How to Rob a Bank is Leitch’s latest action-comedy, following films including Deadpool 2, Bullet Train and The Fall Guy. Its cast includes Hoult, Zoë Kravitz, Anna Sawai, Rhenzy Feliz, Pete Davidson and John C. Reilly.

The film takes on issues in national debate, including economic inequality and health care. Leitch and McCormick discussed how they sought to pair social commentary with crowd-pleasing entertainment.

Behind The Film’s Production

At a Collider screening, Leitch and McCormick spoke with moderator Steve Weintraub about their creative partnership and the challenges of making the film. They discussed working with a limited budget and securing music rights. The filmmakers also addressed the movie’s alternate ending, but the conversation excerpt does not provide details about what changed or how the ending would have been darker.

Leitch Recalls Stunt Work

Leitch reflected on his years as a stunt performer and coordinator, recalling an explosion filmed for The Bourne Ultimatum. He said he stood about ten feet from a car, attached to a wire rig, and had not seen rehearsals before the setup.

He described the experience as one that required trust in the crew. Leitch also recalled advice from James Mangold during work on the first Wolverine: choose actors who already have qualities that fit their characters.