We are on the precipice of a new horizon for video game adapted movies. Legendary Pictures hopes that they have planted a flag today as a trailblazer in the genre, by releasing their first trailer for Warcraft. The film is based on the most popular MMO of all-time and has a huge fanbase watching and waiting with judgmental eyes.
Director Duncan Jones made a name for himself in 2009 with Moon, an intimate film with only one primary character. A few years later, Jones finds himself at the helm of Warcraft, leading a cast of thousands of orcs and humans waging in war. He has managed to wrangle a talented cast including Dominic Cooper, Ben Foster, Toby Kebbell, Paula Patton, and Clancy Brown, among others. Which is a positive indication that there will be a real soul beneath all of the various fantastical performances in store.
One of the freedoms of the Warcraft game is the ability to craft your own character and allegiances. Jones is hoping to capture that essence by humanizing both sides of the struggle and effectively including two protagonists, both human and orc. It’s an effective narrative device, but a tough one to pull off on the script level without falling into cliche. If they have cracked the story, we could be in for a unique experience, which could re-energize the entire fantasy genre.
The movie also hinges on its visuals and ability for the audience to forget they are watching a special effect. The motion capture techniques are rumored to be pushing the limits beyond what we have seen previously and in some shots you can witness the actor’s performances coming to the surface. However, in others (particularly with the orc baby), it’s clear that they are still whittling away with still over seven months til release. It’s been a long time coming, but it’s almost here. Enjoy the trailer.
Official Synopsis:
From Legendary Pictures and Universal comes Warcraft, an epic adventure of world-colliding conflict based on Blizzard Entertainment’s global phenomenon.
The peaceful realm of Azeroth stands on the brink of war as its civilization faces a fearsome race of invaders: Orc warriors fleeing their dying home to colonize another. As a portal opens to connect the two worlds, one army faces destruction and the other faces extinction. From opposing sides, two heroes are set on a collision course that will decide the fate of their family, their people and their home.
So begins a spectacular saga of power and sacrifice in which war has many faces, and everyone fights for something.
Warcraft opens on June 10th, 2016.
What did you think of the trailer? How many hours did you spend playing Warcraft? Let us know on the comment boards, and !
Source: Legendary