Warner Bros has acquired the movie license for classic video game (guess which one?) and engaged high-profile superproducer Akiva Goldsman to do it. Akiva Goldsman, who has produced award-winning biopics, “A Beautiful Mind” and “Cinderella Man” as well as sci-fi film “I, Robot”, is joined in a production capacity by Joby Harold (Edge Of Tomorrow) and Tory Tunnell (Awake, 2016’s King Arthur), reports The Wrap.
As for which video game, it’s none other than standup arcade game Space Invaders!
The game was introduced in 1978 and is now a cultural icon – thanks in part to international urban artist Invader. Now, Warner Bros is looking to adapt it for film. However, Space Invaders doesn’t feature a rich mythology in terms of narrative, as the video game simply featured several rows of aliens (or their ships) firing lasers at the hero, who must take cover behind blocks that slowly disintegrate.
Hence, it is not known as of yet how the narrative will be planned out for the film adaptation. In fact, information about the project is sparse for now. But just in case you haven’t played the game before, here’s how it works:
Of course, Warner Bros. aren’t new to turning something toy-like into an immediately blockbuster success. Remember how they managed to turn narratively barren brand LEGO into a successful Hollywood film, “The Lego Movie”? And by that, we mean they raked in more than $257 million in North America and $210 million in other territories for a worldwide total of over $467 million in profit for a story that was based on just..colourful plastic bricks.
Will they do it again with Space Invaders? We’ll find out soon enough.
Don’t forget! While we await for more news on the movie adaptation of Space Invaders, the sequel for Warner Bros.’ as of now titled, “The Lego Movie 2” is scheduled to be released on 25th May 2017.