MGS, Mass Effect movie projects discussed

Hollywood producer Avi Arad has discussed the status and potential success that exists within the video game adaptations which are heading to the big screen in the next couples of years.

Arad is best known for his work on the Marvel movies, which include Spider-man, X-Men, Hulk, Blade, and the Avengers.

“Converting games to film hasn’t been done yet successfully,” said Arad. “Resident Evil did very well – it was actually a great series.”

“I think that film studios are bankers and filmmakers are risk takers and somewhere in between we meet on the battlefield,” Arad added. “And the moment one video game movie goes through the roof, it’s the same thing that I’ve been through with comic books.”

Arad sees huge potential in the narrative-driven video games like the Uncharted and Metal Gear Solid series, and feels that they will transition to the big screen well.

“I think Uncharted will be very successful. It’s a father and son game,” he said. “There are things about it that are interesting. I think the world of antiquities theft, there are many countries in the world that realised they’re being robbed and they’re trying to recoup these important pieces.”

“Now, the script has a lot of character [and] I think that has a shot at being the first one [to succeed].”

The latest piece of information about the Uncharted movie was that Neil Burger (Limitless, The Illusionist) is on to direct.

The Metal Gear Solid movie was said to be in the early stages of production, and due to the scope of the movie, will be years before it arrives in cinemas.

“If you go to Metal Gear Solid, it’s actually full of storytelling,” Arad said. “I always look at The Bible as a storyteller and operas with special attention to relationships and here, you have Cain and Abel, Ying and Yang like Double Dragon.”

Arad also gave an update on the Mass Effect movie, saying that it’ll be one of the most ambitious video game movies.

“It’s a big idea, that we, humans, are the least developed, the least trusted, it’s an interesting mirror image of our world, we are the aliens now,” he said.

“Love the project, it’s getting there, it’s been a lot of work; some movies take five, six years before they’re ready.”