Though no video game movie has yet pleased critics, massive hits such as Grand Theft Auto V and box office success such as the Resident Evil movie franchise will ensure movie studios keep going back to video games for source material. Now, Legendary Pictures is in pre-production on a movie version of perhaps the most-played game of all time.
Deadline today reported that Colin Farrell and Paula Patton are both in talks for roles in a movie adaptation of the popular MMO World of Warcraft. The report’s unnamed Hollywood sources stated that Farrell is far from confirmed for the project, and that director Duncan Jones is currently screen-testing other actors for Farrell’s rumored role. In addition to Farrell and Patton, Deadline also reported that Paul Dano, Travis Fimmel, Anson Mount, and Anton Yelchin are also being considered for lead roles in the flick.
World of Warcraft is one of the few gaming brands that has the potential to draw millions of MMO fans to theaters. With a fantasy setting backed by a plethora of lore (including novels), a movie adaptation of the game could even end up being decent.
Other movie studios will also be betting big on video games in the near future. Publisher Ubisoft alone has several film projects in the works, including Splinter Cell and Assassin’s Creed movies.
(Image courtesy Blizzard)