The film stars Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt, with James Gandolfini, Bob Balaban, J. K. Simmons, and Gene Hackman in supporting roles.

It tells the story of a small-time criminal (Pitt) who is sent on a mission to retrieve an antique pistol in Mexico, while his girlfriend (Roberts), frustrated with their troubled relationship, finds herself entangled in a series of unexpected events.

The Mexican was released in the United States on March 2, 2001, to mixed reviews from critics, and grossed $147.8 million.

In Los Angeles, a traffic light changes to red, and off-screen sounds of an automobile collision are heard.

This additional job proves to be the last straw for Jerry's girlfriend, Sam, who leaves him to move to Las Vegas.

The second hitman introduces himself as Leroy and explains that he was hired to hold Sam hostage to ensure Jerry delivers the pistol.

Bonding with Leroy, Sam correctly deduces that he is gay and encourages him to pick up Frank, a traveling postal worker.

In Las Vegas, the well-dressed hitman murders the innocent Frank and returns for Sam but is killed by a vengeful Leroy.

When the gun refused to fire for the nobleman's son, he killed the assistant, leading the daughter to take her own life with the pistol.

However, Reynolds turned it down because the cast was not confirmed, while Fincher was unavailable due to his prior commitments with the release of Fight Club (1999).

Additionally, Ben Stiller and Meg Ryan had also expressed interest in playing the lead roles in the film.

The Mexican debuted at #1 at the North American box office, earning $20.1 million in its opening weekend.

"[13] The Edmonton Journal observed, "Moviegoers who have seen The Mexican aren't coming out of cinemas talking about the romantic chemistry between Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt.

They're talking about the presence of tough guy James Gandolfini in the unlikely role of a gay hitman named Leroy.