From Variety comes word that Dan Harris (X2, Imaginary Heroes) will adapt Electronic Arts’ upcoming videogame version of Dante’s Inferno into a live-action film for Universal Pictures.
The game is inspired by the classic poem, having gamers journey through the depths of hell – equipped with Death’s Scythe, no less – to recover the protagonist’s lover.
Mark Abraham and Eric Newman are producing.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Video games are a hot topic for Hollywood, which has seen its fair share of lousy film adaptations, as well as tons of money gained from franchises like Resident Evil and Tomb Raider. Keeping that in mind, the trades are reporting that Universal, Paramount, New Regency and MGM are in a major battle for film rights to the as-yet-unannounced game from EA.
A modern interpretation of “Dante’s Inferno”, a classic poem that had the author chronicling his walk through hell, purgatory and heaven, the game is supposed to take players through the first part of the story – through hell. It is expected sometime next year.
Warner Bros. was also said to be in the running, but dropped out for reasons unknown.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Continuing the trend of getting movie industry figures into the development biz, Zack Snyder (Watchmen, 300) has signed a deal with EA to develop three original games for the publisher.
He will work with EA’s Los Angeles studio in Playa Vista to produce his games. Though EA will retain the IP rights, Snyder may get some or all of his games made into films produced by his Cruel & Unusual Films banner.
"Zack Snyder has a fresh and bold creative style that resonates with our core audience," said EA prez Frank Gibeau. “Snyder is joining a small group of Hollywood helmers who produce video games that aren’t adaptation of their own films, including Steven Spielberg, John Woo and Peter Jackson.”
Popularity: 1% [?]