I never imagined Sonic the Hedgehog would become the star of a cinematic universe, but here we are. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is whipping out the big guns, pitting Sonic against his greatest rival in a big-budget adaptation of the storyline that forever changed the Blue Blur's video game series.

Hot off the heels of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (and the Paramount+ meme-fest that is Knuckles), Sonic the Hedgehog 3 sees Shadow the Hedgehog (Keanu Reeves) emerge from the, well, shadows, to menace the world. As the film's surprisingly epic trailer explains via voiceover, Shadow was born out of Project Shadow, a sin?ister government operation with shocking ties to Sonic's (Ben Schwartz) archenemy, Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey).

Project Shadow is a pivotal moment in the Sonic series' deceptively expansive lore, weaving plot threads the franchise still follows today. Whether you're a Sonic veteran looking for a refresher or a newer fan wondering what the actual heck's happening in Sonic 3, I've got the answers you seek.

Project Shadow's video game history

Introduced as the inciting incident of Sonic Adventure 2, Project Shadow is the stuff of conspiracy theorists' wildest dreams. Started by the United Federation, Project Shadow was a research progr??am created with the outbound goal of achieving immortality. Of course, being a top-secret study funded by multiple superpowers, Project Shadow had a se?cret aim: creating the ultimate lifeform.

Knowing they’d need the finest mind in the world to pull off this ambitious scientific endeavor, the United Federation sought none other than Robotnik’s grandfather, Gerald. Gerald had a personal reason to accept the U.F.’s proposal: his granddaughter, Maria, suffered from a fa?tal genetic condition that only something as radical as Project Shadow could hope to cure.

Gerald’s research, conducted ins??ide an orbital medical center named Space Colony ARK, didn’t go well initially. His early experiments birthed a runty reptile known as the Biolizard, who mutated into a volatile monstrosity Gerald and his colleagues couldn’t control. With his superiors threatening to slash the program, it looked like Gerald’s efforts would come up to nothing. Then a??liens happened. Really.

Somehow, Gerald came into contact with Black Doom, the leader of a violent race of extraterrestrial conquerors known as the Black Arms. Desperate to save Maria, Gerald wrote up a devilish pact with Black Doom, offering to give the interstellar warlord control of Project Shadow’s final product if he agreed to lend Gerald some of his blood so he could complete his research. Being a complete monster bent on galactic domination, Black Doom agreed, unaware (or unconcerned) that Gerald never planned ??to fulfill his end of the bargain.

Using Black Doom’s DNA, Gerald finally created the ultimate lifeform: Shadow the Hedgehog, who formed a deep bond with Maria. Unfortunately, the U.F. caught wind of Shadow’s sheer destructive potential and started having second thoughts on the whole “unkillable bioweapon�?thing. The U.F.’s military, the Guardian Units of Nations, ended up taking matters into their own hands, launching an all-out assault on the ARK. In the ensuing chaos, a G.U.N. soldier fires a fatal shot into Maria, setting Gerald and Sha?dow on the path of vengeance.

Project Shadow opens up exciting opportunities for the Sonic film series

Project Shadow is one of the grimmest plot points in Sonic canon, and it looks like Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will adapt it faithfully. While Gerald will appear alive and well (physically, at least) in Sonic 3, one of the final shots confirms Maria will suffer a similar fate to her game counterpart. These developments leave a Sonic fan like me to wonder what o?ther bits of Project Shadow lore will make it onto the big screen.

The Biolizard, Shadow’s surrogate brother, didn’t appear in Sonic 3’s trailer. However, Sonic and Shadow’s last fight against it in Sonic Adventure 2 is one of the most iconic boss battles in the series, so I’m willing to bet Sonic 3’s climax will end up using it as a template. Since Shadow gets cold feet about Gerald’s plan to (spoilers) crash the ARK int?o Earth, Gerald could call in his first “child�?to finish the job Shadow won’t, forcing Sonic and Shadow to work together to s??ave the world.

The Black Arms' involvement in Shadow’s creation also goes unmentioned in the trailer, which is odd since Sonic X Shadow Generations looks like it's picking this plot beat back up after almost two decades. However, that might be because Paramount wants to save that revelation for a later Sonic project. The Knuckles proved that a Sonic side-series can be successful, and I doubt t?he company will pass up the chance to give Reeves�?Shadow a spin-off where he goes up against the Black Arms, fully completing his transition fr??om villain to hero.

I’m very interested to see what Sonic 3 does with Project Shadow once the mo??vie hits theaters on December 20, 2024. And now maybe you are too, if you weren’t already.

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Video game-based movie adaptations often prove disastrous, but Sonic the Hedgehog managed to avoid joining that club. The rather unsightly first looks at the titular Blue Blur broke the Internet, but Sonic (Ben Schwartz) was redesigned, his live-action blockbuster debut turned out to be a massive hit, and now, his beloved video game series has become the basis? for an entire franchise.

Following up both Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and the Paramount+ streaming series Knuckles is Sonic the Hedgehog 3. This time around, Shadow the Hedgehog (Keanu Reeves) stands as the central antagonist, giving Sonic, Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey), and Knuckles (Idris Elba) a run for their money. Thus, they're left little choice but to form an uneasy alliance with their longtime enemy, Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey), who's also ??set to go on quite a journey of his own.

As revealed in the Sonic 3 trailer, Robotnik will come face to face with his equally scientifically-inclined grandfather, Gerald Robotnik (Carrey). If you're not too familiar with the extensive and sometimes complicated lore of the Sonic video game franchise, but want to learn a bit about Gerald ahead of Sonic 3, you've come to the right place.

Gerald's video game history

Though his brief appearance in the inaugural Sonic 3 trailer may indicate that Gerald Robotnik is a bit of a goof, much like his grandson, that's not quite the case. Since making his debut in the 2001 platformer Sonic Adventure 2, it has consistently been shown that Gerald is a brilliant scientific mind. He was specifically?? sought out to lead the secretive research program Project Shadow under the direction of the United Federation. He accepts, ultimately doing so to unlock the secret to immortality. With trial and error, he eventually creat?es Shadow the Hedgehog himself.

Unfortunately, his time as one of the leading minds of Project Shadow comes to a swift end. As he completes Shadow, the government gets cold feet and deems his work a danger to humanity. This eventually leads to him being sequestered on Prison Island, where he's left with no choice but to continue his research under the government's close watchful eye. Shadow, now completed, in??itially escapes custody but is soon brought to Prison Island and kept in suspended animation. Dr Robotnik later releases him from this imprisonment long after Gerald loses his mind and is executed.

Maria Robotnik and the future of the Sonic film franchise

Seeing as the movies don't follow the exact canon of the games, Gerald Robotnik could be up to all sorts of things in in Sonic 3. Surprisingly, there's a goo??d chance that his story in the film could be similar to that of his video game counterpart.

In addition to potenti??ally aiding in the creation of Shadow the Hedgehog, the plot may hint at the tragic fate of another character: his granddaughter Maria Robotnik (Alyla Browne), who has been confirmed to appear in the threequel in some capacity. She's the main motivating factor behind Gerald's decision to join Project Shadow and, unintentionally, his descent into madness.

When he signs up, she's?? terminally ill, and he wants to use his research to save her life. Sadly, his involvement in the program leads to the exact opposite. With Project Shadow crumbling, troops from the Guardian Units of Nations, or G.U.N., are sent to the Space Colony ARK, where Gerald is conducting his research. With armed personnel swarming, Maria and her friend Shadow are forced to flee.

Shadow makes it out, but Maria is shot and killed by an ARK soldier, which sends Gerald into a tailspin and manifests in his plan to destroy the world using Shadow. It's entirely possible he could seek ?revenge for her death in the film and use Shadow as the means to do so, or she has yet to be killed and will be over the course of the film, setting up a fou??rth movie.

All in all, Gerald Robotnik, despite not being the most well-known character in the Sonic canon, remains one of its most vital. It will be interesting to see how he's used on the big screen when Sonic the Hedgehog 3 premieres on December 20, 2024.

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Welcome to Pandora. After yesterday’s teaser, the live-action Borderlands has released its first trailer and it looks like one heck of a ride, for b??etter or worse. 

According to the description, Lionsgate's Borderlands follows infamous bounty hunter Lilith as she returns to her chaotic planet of Pandora. Her mission: find the missing daughter of the powerful and arrogant Atlas (played by Edgar Ramírez). Lilith gathers a ragtag team of mis??????????????????????????fits and, together, they'll take on many dange?rous enemies and uncover Pandora’s biggest secret.

The film stars Academy-Award winner Cate Blanchett (Tar) as Lilith alongside the annoying robot Claptrap, the insane Tiny Tina, her bodyguard Krieg, the scientist Tannis, and the mercenary Roland. Those will be played by Jack Black (Super Mario Bros. Movie), Ariana Greenblatt (Barbie), Florian Munteanu (Shang-Chi), Jamie Lee Curtis (Everything, Everywhere, All at Once), and Kevin Hart (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle), respectively. 

Bordering The Edge

It certainly captures the wild, colorful world of Pandora and Borderlands. Of course, that also includes its immaturity. There's a lot of bathroom humor and, while it isn't my cup of tea, I'm sure many enjoyed it. The action does seem on-par with other movies like it. And, if anything, the actors look like they're having a good time. Everyone seems to fit their roles, including Hart, surprisingly. Also, I've been wanting to see Ariana Greenblatt do more after Barbie??, so it was enjoyable to see her in a more leading and fun role.

As mentioned yesterday, Borderlands' has gone through the wringer in terms of development. Though, now we’ve settled on Thanksgiving’s Eli Roth and reshoots by Deadpool's Tim Miller. Will it be any good? Well, thi?s is a trailer,?? so it can be better or worse.

Personally, I’m a bit on the fence. On one hand, it captures everything Borderlands is known for fairly well. On the other ha?nd, I’m not sure I’m convinced about some of the creative choices made. Still, it feels like a type of guilty pleasure movie I’d watch with some pizza or something.

Borderlands comes to the big screen on August 9.

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After years of hints and developments, we've finally gotten our first look at the live-action Borderlands. People has reveal??ed two pictures of the upcoming film, due to release in?? August.

And for another early look, IGN released a short teaser,?? which confirms a trailer drop tomorrow, February 21.

According to the trailer via IGN for their Fan Fest, the full trailer is expected to launch on February 21, 2024. As we can see, it's colorful, vibrant, and hectic as hell. So far, that seems on par with the looter shooter's style. The trailer description gives a bit of context for the madness, as we follow Lilith and her ragt??ag crew as they rescue Atlas' daughter on Pandora.

Locked and Loaded

In the first photo via People Magazine, we get our first full look at our colorful main cast of 'heroes'. Fans will immediately recognize some characters like Claptrap (played by Super Mario Bros. Movie's Jack Black), Tiny Tina (Barbie's Ariana Greenblatt), and Lilith (Tar's Cate Blanchett).

It is weird seeing Kevin Hart (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) and Jamie Lee Curtis (Everything, Everywhere, All at Once) here, as both look a bit different than their original counterparts—Roland and Tannis, respectively. And yes, Tiny's bodyguard K??rieg—played by Shang-Chi's Florian Munteanu—is here, with his signature mask.

The second image is solely focused on Cate Blanchett's Lilith. Her striking red hair translated pretty well on-screen. Though we still have yet to see any footage, this does seem like a step in the right direction. Announced in 2015, the Lionsgate film has gone through a lot, as directors changed and reshoots occurred behind the scenes.

I haven't played Borderlands much outside of Telltale's Tales from the Borderlands, but I have a basic idea of the cel-shaded style and looter shooter gameplay. I'm unsure how much of that will translate well onto the silver screen, yet these pictu?res make me a bit hopeful. The cast is pretty stacked and it does seem to feel consistent with the game's designs. All eyes are on for the trailer tomorrow, so here's hoping this turns out to be on the good side of vid?eo game adaptations.

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After yesterday's title reveal and announcement of Jim Carrey's return for Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sonic fans were eating well. Now, IGN revealed that six actors have been added to the cast in unknown roles, including alum from Breaking Bad, Ted Lasso, and Watchmen.

As IGN states, the upcoming third installment in the live-action Sonic The Hedgehog film series will add on Krysten Ritter (Jessica Jones), Cristo Fernández (Ted Lasso), Jorma Taccone (The Lonely Island), Alyla Browne (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga), James Wolk (Watchmen), and Sofia Pernas (Blood & Treasure).

Alongside the new actors, all of the original cast and voice actors are returning.? This inc??ludes Ben Schwartz's Sonic, James Marsden's Tom, Tika Sumpter's Maddie, Idris Elba's Knuckles, Lee Majdoub's Agent Stone, and Colleen O'Shaughnessey's Tails.

Can You Feel The Sunshine?

Alyla Browne is an interesting one, considering she's the youngest of the bunch. With the movie being Shadow's full debut, it's not hard to imagine her playing his only human companion, Maria. In Sonic Adventure 2, Maria Robotnik is a terminally ill girl who connects with S??hadow. If they're to tell Shadow's origin story, she's a h?uge part of why he's the way he is.

The Sonic Adventure comparisons get larger with the addition of Krysten Ritter. The Breaking Bad and Jessica Jones actress is a big win, considering her solid resume. But what does it have to do with Sonic Adventure 2? IGN makes a slight nod to a rumor that she may play Rogue the Bat, a spy character who first appeared in Sonic Adventure 2 and has since become a staple of Sonic games.

After all this, who's playing Shadow the Hedgehog? Unfortunately, it's still under wraps at this time. But fear not, I did write a list of potential actors for the spiky anti-hero a month ago. If you want more Shadow before the film's release, SEGA just revealed Sonic X Shadow Generations, a remaster of the 2011 game.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 races into theaters on December 20 this year. Before that, a TV spinoff featuring Knuckles will launch on Paramount+ in the summer.

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Persona 3 Reload, a remake of the classic 2006 RPG, is due to release on February 2. Between 2013 and 2016, AIC ASTA and A-1 Pictures released four animated films on Persona 3. The question is: are they worth watching before Reload's release?

For many, myself included, seeing your favorite franchises adapted into a new form is thrilling. So when I heard there were four full-length animated films based on Persona 3, I knew I had to watch them. It's too go??od to be true! Well, in a way, it kind of is.

Spoiler alert for Persona 3 and the films.

What are the Persona 3 movies?

Let's give a bit of context here. The Persona 3 films, under the banner Persona 3: The Movie, were mostly made by A-1 Pictures (with AIC ASTA doing #1). A-1 also tackled the animated scenes in Persona 4, so they've worked with Atlus in the past.

The films came out over four years, starting in 2013 and ending in 2016. They launched theatrically in Japan, and while they never made it to the West in terms of dubbing, you can buy them subtitled off Amazon Prime for around $5 each.

In honor of Persona 3: Reload's release, I decided to watch all four films and collect my findings here for you all to see. I'll talk a??bout how the films adapt the source material and make it better, or in some cases worse.

For Better

As someone who played Persona 3 Portable, which had no animated cutscenes, the movies made up for that. Seeing the events of Persona 3 done justice through the great animation by AIC ASTA and A-1 Pictures is satisfying. The style is consistent with the original game and outmatched the animated cutscenes in-game, in my opinion. The fight scenes are also given a one-up, feeling j??ust as snappy and rewarding.

The films also give Makoto Yuki, the once-silent protagonist, a full voice and lines. This helps speed things up story-wise and gives him more of a personality and arc. His character development throughout the four films is pretty good and goes deep into the themes of life and death. Furthermore, Yuki's humanization in Persona 3: The Movie #3. Falling Down with Ryoji creates some great moments of frien??dship the game never had, if I re??member correctly.

From the start, you can tell the films were made by Persona 3 fans.? Throughout the four films, you'll see cameos f?rom Social Links like Akinari and Chihiro, as well as Makoto using fan-favorite Personas like Jack Frost and Thoth.

The S.E.E.S members also have their moments in the spotlight and translate well onto the screen. Junpei is still that lovable goofball, and Akihiko punches anything and everything near him. We even get an "I've been waiting for this", which is a must for any Persona 3 title.

For Worse

The story of Persona 3 is a long one. I mean, the game takes at least 88 hours to beat, and that's just sticking to the narrative. While the base story remains, small character moments and events are shaved to thei??r bare bones or cut entirely. Even still, it hurts characters that didn't get much time ?in the original, like Shinji and Jin.

While what it adds is good, it do?esn't elevate things as much as they could've. For example, the concept of Personas turning on their users is glanced over, being resolved the same way for both af??flicted characters.

Another thing that felt off was the unchanged ending. I know some people didn't like the pacing of the ending and the events that transpire. And, while I was confused and surprised, it felt right. Persona 3: The Movie #4: Winter of Rebirth didn't change that, a??nd it's a missed opportunity.

On that note,? the pacing was quick and went too fast. This problem came up a lot, as events happen and end within minutes and get pushed to the side. The game had this issue, and to see that adapted doesn't suit the films well.

I do want to point out that each film has a different director. While the visions for them didn't change much from each version, it feels like there wasn't a lot of wiggle room to explore. For example, Persona 3: The Movie #1. Spring of Birth covered the beginning up to Fuuka's entrance, while Persona 3: The Movie #2. Midsummer Knight's Dream gave us the rest of the S.E.E.S squad?? and?? villains.

Each film was an hour and a half, give or take. I'm unsure if the plan was always four f??ilms, but dee??p down, I feel like adding a bit more time to each would help smooth the pacing and make them unique.

Consensus

The Persona 3 films are solid showings of the game's narrative. They stay true to the source material and add small yet welcoming changes. That said, condensing the story and translating its pacing problems to the screen hurt the films, especially the last two. As a fan of Persona 3 and its characters, it's great to see them? as lively as they were in the game.

So, it begs the question: should you watch Persona 3: The Movie and its sequels before Persona 3 Reload? Personally, I would steer clear of them if Reload is your first. The game looks to correct some of the original's errors and the story flows much better with gameplay. If you're a returning Persona 3 player??, the films would help refresh your memory of the story and characte??rs. Plus, it gives some fun moments that fans will enjoy.

Overall, they act as mementos of the original. Whether they'll age well come Persona 3 Reload's release remains to be seen. 

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I guess there are no more tombs to raid... for now

Hollywood has already taken two different shots at the Tomb Raider franchise, starring Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander respectively, but it looks like there's a chance another actress will get a chance to helm the series, as TheWrap reports. The film rights to Tomb Raider are up for grabs yet again after MGM failed to make a sequel after the 2018 film, which would have allow??ed them to keep the rights �??although there were plans to make another film in the series at one point.

The most likely factor in plans for the sequel fizzling out is Amazon's acquisition of MGM back in March of this year. There's a good chance that with the merger going on, any projects in the works were put on p??????????????????????????ause, which is unfortunate when there's a ticking clock for maintaining your IPs. Fans had a lukewarm reaction regarding the 2018 movie, but it did fairly well at the box office internationally, so it's kind of a?? shame that they're not getting a second chance with Vikander's version of Croft.

Tomb Raider's treasure-hunting counterpart Uncharted (also sometimes called Dude Raider by fans) did quite well in the box office this year, raking in just over $400 million, and securing its spot as the fourth most profitable video game movie to date. It's hard to say whether this had to do with its star-studded cast, which included Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, or if fans just liked the movie more, but either way, I think it shows that fans are still down for an Indiana Jones-inspired action adventure.

There's a good chance that we'll be getting another reboot of the Tomb Raider franchise from whoever picks up the rights, so here's hoping that the third time's a charm for the franchise. Until then, there's always the Tomb Raider anime that Netflix still has in the works.

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Chris Pratt as Mario is still leaving me skeptical

When we all saw that Chris Pratt had been cast as the plumber in red in the upcoming animated Mario movie, a few eyebrows were raised, to say the least. He's a fine actor, but I don't know that I trust him to do one of the most iconic video game character?s justice, especially after the legacy that Charles Martinet has created.

One of the most glaring questions to come up surrounding Pratt's involvement in the movie over the past few weeks is whether o??r not he'll have an Italian accent, which is arguably one of Mario's most recognizable features.

In an exclusive interview with Variety, Pratt gave a little bit of? insight in??to what fans can expect from his work on the movie.

"I worked really closely with the directors and trying out a few things and landed on something that I’m really proud of and can’t wait for people to see and hear," Pratt said. "I’m providing a voice for an animated character, and it is updated and unlike anything you’ve heard in the Mario world before."

This could mean a lot of things, but I hope it means that they at least did something. The thought of Chris Pratt's unaltered voice coming out of Mario se?nds chills down my spine.

When Variety brought up fans' apprehension in a separate interview about Pratt's casting as a character of Italian heritage, Illumination Entertainment's founder and CEO Chris Meledandri said that because he is Italian American himself, he feels that he can "make tha??t decision without worrying about offending Italians or Italian Americans. �?I think we’re gonna be just fine. Especially because (Pratt has) given such a strong performance."

Meledandri also said that "when people hear Chris Pratt’s performance, the criticism will evaporate." I guess we'?ll have to wait and see about that one.

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Chaos Emerald Eyes

Video game film adaptations, much like live-action anime adaptations, can really be hit or miss. For every Mortal Kombat (1995) there's a Mortal Kombat (2021). It's probably best to go into these movies with low expectations. At worst, their awfulness doesn't shock you. At best, they can completely surprise you with how fun and watchable they are. That's what happened to me with Sonic the Hedgehog. While not anything amazing, it easily hurdled the low bar set by its contemporaries to be what I consider the best film adaptation of a video game. After watching the Sonic the Hedgehog 2 trailer during The Game Awards last night, it looks like the s??equel is poised ??to clear that bar as well.

From Jeff Fowler, director of the first Sonic film and an upcoming Pink Panther reboot, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 continues the story of the Blue Blur as he adjusts to our world and battles new threats brought by a returning Eggman. The entire cast is back on board with Ben Schwartz returning as Sonic, Jim Carrey as Robotnik, and James Marsden and Tika Sumpter as Tom and Maddie Wachowski. Rounding out the cast this time are Idris Elba as Knuckles and Colleen O'Shaughnessey as? Tails, a development I'm particularly excited about given how oft??en the film industry gives these types of roles to big-name actors rather than voice talent.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5kzUpWAusI

For as long as Knuckles has been an ally of Sonic, it's easy to forget he got his start in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 as an unwitting antagonist who sided with Eggman. Sonic the Hedgehog 2?? will release exclusively in theaters on April 8, 2022.

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Long-awaited adaptation is not a box office Fatality

This weekend saw the U.S. opening of Warner Bros.' long-in-development adaptation of its gory fighting franchise, Mortal Kombat. And, all things considered, the film has been a success, pulling in domestic b??ox office sales of around $2??2.5 million USD.

As noted by Deadline, this is the highest opening for an R-rated movie since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has understandably left cinema sales reeling over the past 13 months. Mortal Kombat was screened in almost all re-opened theaters (estimated to be around 60% of the U.S.?? total) and is available to stream at home on paid service HBO Max — though the money made via the latter is not taken into account.

Directed by Simon McQuoid, Mortal Kombat sees washed-up MMA fighter Cole Young team up with a ragged selection of Earthrealm Champions and th??rust into an inter-dimensional battle with the forces of Outworld sorcerer Shang Tsung — a battle where the very fate of mankind hangs in the balances. Reviews have been divisive, with critics and fans praising the film's visuals, costuming, effects, and gore, but critical of its editing, tone, and tendency for panicked exposition.

It remains to be seen whether Mortal Kombat is more of a frontloaded box office draw, or whether it continues to pull in big numbers over the coming weeks. Either way, a ?sigh of relief is no doubt being exhaled over at Warner Bros. Studios, and a sequel to the violent action flick already seems inevitable. Somebody give Musetta Vander a call...

Mortal Kombat is now screening?? in theaters in the U.S. and on HBO Ma?x.

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Claire and Leon are back in action

[Update: Netflix has officially revealed Resident Evil Infinite Darkness, a new CGI drama series that will arrive on the streaming service in 2021. Produced by TMS Entertainment, the show promises to present a Resident Evil world "unlike anything seen before." You can check out the ?teaser trailer at the foot of the article.]

A since-removed tweet from the Portuguese Netflix Twitter account has revealed that a brand new Resident Evil CGI movie is ??in the works, and will premier on the strea?ming service in 2021.

Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness will star two of the survival horror franchise's most beloved protagonists, Claire Redfield and Leon S. Kennedy. The Resident Evil 2 superstars will reunite for what appears to be an all-new adventure. While there are currently no plot detai??ls to speak of, I'm sure fans can expect a deadly adventu?re packed with conspiracy, intrigue, and more than a few nightmare-inducing monsters.

In other recent Resident Evil news, publisher Capcom has suggested that the next video game entry in the series, Resident Evil Village, could potentially arr?ive on current-gen con?soles PS4 and Xbox One, though the team stopped sh??ort of guaranteeing this possibility?.

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Release date reconfirmed by Liu Kang himself

The kountdown has begun for the release of Warner Bros. all-new Mortal Kombat movie which has just wrapped shooting in Australia. The latest live action ad??aptation of NetherRealm Studios' gooey fighting game will hit the silver screen on January 1?5, 2021.

To mark the one-year countdown actor Ludi Lin - who plays classic MK protagonist Liu Kang - tweeted out an image from the set, which shows a slate emblazoned with the new release (the film was recently brought forward from its initially scheduled April 2021 release). Also of note, however, is the cool new take on the classic Mortal Kombat "dragon" logo, which features a spiny tail encircling the fork-tongued beastie. It's no gingerbread cake, but it looks pretty slick.

The movie will feature iconic series characters such as Raiden, Kano, Sonya Blade, Jackson Briggs, Mileena, Shang Tsung and, of course, Sub-Zero and Scorpion. While lacking somewhat in Hollywood A-listers, Mortal Kombat has cast a host of talented stuntpersons and martial artists, and is also looking at an R-rating to allow for g??ore galore.

We'll find out in just under a years time whether the latest in a long line of Mortal Kombat adaptions will be a Flawless Victory or just a box office Fatality. Mortal Kombat launches in cinemas January 15, 2021.

The countdown begins! 01/15/21 🉠#MortalKombat pic.twitter.com/d8RREF3Tvd

— LudiLin (@ludi_lin) January 15, 2020

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Underground film

Gazprom Media are currently putting together pre-production plans for a movie based on Dmitry Glukhovsky's novel - and subsequent video game series - Metro 2033. As reported by tinseltown mag Variety, the film is expected to begin shooting next year for a 202??2 release.

First published in 2002, Metro 2033 tells ??of the aftermath of a apocalyptic nuclear war in Mother Russia, which forces the remaining civilians of Moscow underground, where they cobble together a civilisation within the subterranean transport system. The novel follows the story of Artyom, who is investigating the origins of a horde of mysterious creatures known as "The Dark Ones."

Glukhovsky noted that this isn't the first time he has been approached by production companies wishing to adapt his work, but this is the first time he has agreed to an offer. "In Russia, I didn’t see a??ny producers who could make a good [adaptation of] this book," said the author. "It just seemed im?possible. But now I finally met a team that I can entrust Metro with. Our ambitions turned out to be similar: to create a world-class blockbuster and stun even those who have read the trilogy and know it by heart. So as not to disappoint them, I am ready to become a creative producer of the movie and help create it with both my advice and action."

Metro 2033 begins shooting in? 2020 for a scheduled January 1, 2022 release date.

Cult sci-fi novel Metro 2033 to be adapted as mo??vie [Variety]

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IT HAS BEGUN

Everything is looking good for the upcoming Mortal Kombat film reboot. In addition to casting an excellent star in The Raid's Joe Taslim, screenwriter Greg Russo has confirmed that the movie will be an R-rated venture. ?Not only that, but fataliti?es will play a part in the film.

That's a pretty big deal. While fans have a fondness for the old MK film, it was seriously gimped by its PG-13 rating. I understand the time period was different (and there was no way a studio was funding an R-rated film where people would be getting bisected in the 90s), ?but it would have been so great to have a better representation of the game on film. I don't necessarily believe the movie needs to be as gory as the recent games, but just some acknowle?dge of the trademark "fatalities" would go a long way in paying reverence to the source material.

While we still don't have an official name for the movie, whatever form Mortal Kombat t?akes is on? track for a March 2021 release. Expect a bloody good time.

Greg Russo [Twitter]

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Live-action Miqo'te

Square Enix will be teaming up with Sony Pictures Television and production company Hivemind Entertainment to create a live-action Final Fantasy XIV TV series. Set in the world of Eorzea, the show's plotline will focus on a brand new narrative that will explore "the struggle between magic and technology in a quest to bring peace to a land in conflict." Details are mum because the show is still in the development phase with no cast planned as of yet. There are also no details on where this will air, though given Hivemind is working with both Netflix -- on The Witcher -- and Amazon -- on The Expanse -- it seems likely this wil??l be a streaming show.

In a press release about the series, Square Enix promised that longtime series staples will be present in the show. Viewers can look forward to seeing "magitek and beastmen, airships and chocobos" and the "live-action debut of Cid." That certainly sounds like a Final Fantasy experience, even if Spirits Within did away with all of that. There's no planned release date, but I would expect this new series to air some??time next year once all the casting is ironed out.

While it may seem odd that XIV is the game chosen f?or adaptation, it does make a lot of sense. MMOs are typically built to sustain interest over a period of years and their worlds could realistically birth stories completely unrelated to the main plot conceit. With Eorzea having a rich history and even a cataclysmic event that is ripe for mining, this series has a lot of lore to pick from. Now we'll just need to find out who is writing it before we get too excited.

Sony Announces Live-Action Final Fantasy XIV TV Series [Kotaku]

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Joint venture between the two companies

[Access Granted. Commencing Transmission]

Director @DavidMLeitch, @Jes_Chastain, and Jake Gyllenhaal are bringing Ubisoft’s The Division to Netflix. It’s the Tom Clancy high-stakes action you love, in the pandemic stricken Manhattan that offers no second chances. pic.twitter.com/cpi6JCp4EM

— NX (@NXOnNetflix) June 10, 2019

After a short bit on The Division 2, Ubisoft announced that a film will be coming to Netflix in the future. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Jessica Chastain, this is a joint venture between the two companies to expand the world of The Division beyond gaming. Deadpool 2 director David Leitch will helm the film with the story focusing on Manhattan from the first Division title.

That's literally all we know right now. I'm not sure if The Division is the series I would have adapted into a film, but the setting is rich for human drama and political intrigue...we?ll, if you wanted to make a political statement, that is.

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Will it save you from the sleep paralysis monster? Probably not!

While Lyle con?tinues to expose what every barber does after their done cutting hair to the world, here's wh??at's been happening in video games this past week:

• The Sonic movie was delayed until Valentine's Day!
• The Pokémon Company press conference was an odd one!
• Dauntless is out now and we're in it and more!

Last night's Pokémon Company press conference was simply bizarre and I'm not even referring to the fact they're releasing a game called Pokémon Sleep. As someone who's been f??ollowing games journalism for over a decade now, I've been watching E3 every year since the early 2000s, and I've noticed over the years how press conferences have shifted in terms of presentation??.

I don't think The Pokémon Company got that memo. This press conference had numbers, graphs, a new board member, and the most monotone translator imaginable having to explain the concept of Pokémon Sleep to people. I found it oddly incredible and nostalgic. Also, that weird jingle that played anytime someone came out from behind a Poké Ball needs to be a ring tone, seri??ously. It was so good!

Discharged question of the week: What was your favorite press conference? I'm a big fan of Konami's E3 2010 press conference.

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IT HAS (almost) BEGUN!

It appears that after many, many years in limbo, a new movie based on NetherRealm Studios' Mortal Kombat franchise is about rea??dy to enter pre-production stages. The film, which will?? be a joint production between Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema, will start shooting in Australia later this year.

First murmurs of a new MK movie surfaced as far back as 2011 and the release of Mortal Kombat for the PS3 and Xbox 360 (which was also accompanied by a live-action web series, remember that?) Since then the project has floated around with little direction, but now, with producers James Wan (Aquaman) and E. Bennet Walsh (Men in Black: International) attach?ed, among others, it? seems like the project is starting to take form.

Of course, this isn't the franchise' first foray into live action. 1995's Mortal Kombat is still a great-looking, entertaining movie, although 1997's follow up Mortal Kombat: Annihilation is batshit awful (I do love Musetta Vander's Sindel). MK has also received a TV show, in the form of 1998's Mortal Kombat: Conquest and the aforementioned web series, w?here Mileena once said "fucking" and it was really weird.

As for whether this new venture will be a hit or a miss, we'll just have to wait and see. But if Christopher Lambert's Raiden doesn't return with his "I don't think so" catchphrase, then I'm out. Mortal Kombat 11 is available now on PS4??, PC, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

Mortal Kombat movie will be filmed in Australia [Gamespot]

The largest film production in South Australia's history!@warnerbros will bring their epic action film, Mortal Kombat, to l??ife here in SA. SA loca??tions. SA crews. SA VFX companies.

It will enhance our production capabilities and create new jobs for the local film industry. pic.twitter.com/jkPeRuq1Wz

— Steven Marshall, MP (@marshall_steven) May 14, 2019

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Your move, hedgehog

According to the number-crunchers over at Box Office Mojo, Pokémon Detective Pikachu has beaten the record for biggest opening for a video game-licensed movi??e, having taken in some $58 million from North Ameri??can theatres during its opening weekend.

The movie tells the tale of Tim Goodman (Justice Smith) who teams up with Pokémon poster boy Pikachu (Ryan Reynolds) in a series of misadventures to track down Tim's missing father. Pokémon Detective Pikachu has received solid reviews from critics and fans?? so far, with praise for its CGI and irreverent tone, if noting that the film is pretty much "safe" by design.

Outside of the U.S. Pokémon Detective Pikachu pulled in around $103 million from 62 territories - including the famously profitable China market - for a grand total of $161 million. Thanks to this highly successful launch, Pokémon Detective Pikachu now holds the record for highest grossing opening weekend for a video game movie, beating out Angelina Jolie vehicle Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, which debuted with a U.S. gross ??of ?$48.2 million back in 2001.

Pokémon Detective Pikachu is now showing at theatres worldwide. Make sure you tune into th?is evening's episode of Podtoid to hear thoughts on the film from Destructoid's own CJ Andriessen and Dan Roemer.

Detective Pikachu delivers record opening [Box Office Mojo]

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The sun is very moody

While Lyle continues his busy schedule of vengeance, here'?s the low down on video games lately:

• The live-action Sonic movie is getting redesigned!
• Devil May Cry is coming to Switch!
• Borderlands 3 was shown off some more!

For once, I'm gonna have to disagree with Lyle. Consider me not in the tinfoil hat club when it comes to the theory that the trailer for the live-action Sonic the Hedgehog movie was some sort of elaborate marketing ruse to get people talking about it. Paramount has been releasing box office bombs one after the other for a while now and Sonic is just another example o??f them throwing anything they can at the wall in the?? hopes of something sticking.

Sadly, I'm calling it now: Sonic will continue that trend of box office bombs -- regardless of what his design is. As for why the trailer and CGI were so terrible, obviously, it was rushed. But, was this because it was an intended and elaborate marketing scheme? I doubt it. My hunch is they wanted to piggy off the back of the potential success and excitement around Detective Pikachu once they realized they had their own live-action take on a famous mascot. So, they slapped together that abomination of a trailer as quickly as possible and threw Coolio in it and hoped for the best.

Plus, keep in mind, Paramount have had this bizarre “realistic” direction on animated characters for a long time (Transformers, TMNT, and Monster Trucks). Personally, I can only hope at this point they delay the movie and give those folks working? on the redesign plenty of time. I can't even begin to imagine how long it'll take to re-render half that mess.

Discharged question of the week: which month do you think is most fitting for Sonic? I'd aim for January, honestly.

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Specialised division for licensing and esports entities

Legendary video game developer/publisher Capcom has restructured all of its esports and media licensing elements under the new banner of Capcom Media Ventures. This division will head up all matters pertaining to the Capcom Pro-Tour and other tournamen?ts outside of Japan, while also supervising the distribution a?nd usage of Capcom licenses in TV, film and other media.

The company will operate out of Los Angeles, renown not only for its connections to the film and TV industry, but also a popular location for digital warriors. "Los Angeles has become a major hub for esports production and it’s one of the global centers of Street Fighter fandom," said Capcom Media Ventures CEO Midori Yuasa, in a press release. "Our presence in the city gives us intimate access to those resources and community thought leaders. In addition, there are obvious benefits for our media licensing team to be based so close to our Hollywood pa?rtners."

Capcom has, in recent years, heavily stated its desire to dive full-on into the world of esports. The ill-fated Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite was designed to be the spearhead that would help the publisher blow up huge in esports. Then no-one played it. But it seems that for Capcom the dream is still alive, with plans to launch amateur and college leagues in some of their most competitive titles  - for example Street Fighter V - later in the year.

Via Upcomer Esports

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Ex Machina star grabs her climbing axe once again

High-stakes adventurer Lara Croft is taking the silver screen once again, as Warner Bros. and MGM has confirmed a sequel to 2018 move Tomb Raider. Alicia Vikander is signed up to return as Lara Croft, with the film's script penned by Amy Jump, who also wrote the hi-octane Brie Larson flick Free Fire and Ben Wheatley's brutal Kill List.

Released last Spring, Tomb Raider was the movie adaptation of Crystal Dynamics 2013 video game, which reinvented the series with a grittier, more brutal approach to Lara's jungle-swinging adventures. The movie, ?which also starred Walton "I'm playing a bad guy" Goggins, received mixed reviews, but stayed pretty close to its source material, ult?imately raking in around $270 million at the box office.

There are currently no plot details or an official title for the sequel, so we are yet to see if the film franchise will ??continue to follow in the footsteps of the video games, or go off on its own narrati??ve course. No doubt we'll hear more once production gets underway.

MGM a??nd Warner B??ros. starts to climb aboard Tomb Raider 2 [Deadline]

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See the movie, read the comic, eat the T-Shirt

Legendary Comics are to release a comic-book adaptation of what is surely to be the feel-good movie of the Summer; Pokémon: Detective Pikachu. The movie, which hits theaters in M??ay, will receive the extended one-shot comic soon afterward.

The Detective Pikachu comic will be a straight recreation of the movie, as young Tim Goodman and his furry, coffee-addled sidekick search Ryme City for the former's missing dad. The comic is written by Brian Buccellato (The Flash, Injustice) with artwork by Nelson Daniel (Ghostbusters, Dungeons & Dragons).

"We are thrilled for the opportunity to work with the Pokémon Company International", said Robert Napton, Senior V.P. of Legendary Comics. "Pokémon is a globally-adored brand, and we absolutely loved expanding the story of Detective Pikachu onto th??e page with the help of Brian’s words and Nelson?’s art".

Pokémon: Detective Pikachu hits?? theaters from May 10. The comic adaptation will be available digitally and in stores this Summer.

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'Your Mission: DON'T DIE'

I have to be reminded that a Doom movie happened, but indeed it did. Starring The Rock - back in his formative thespian days of 2005 - Doom was almost universally panned by critics, but still maintained an air of entertaining charm, thanks to the ?charisma-magnet that is Dwayne?? Johnson.

Undaunted, Universal Pictures are going to have another go at translating id Software's legendary shooter franchise to the big little screen. Doom: Annihilation is headed Direct-to-Video later this year, though from this trailer it looks like t?he budget has had one of the franchise' chainsaws taken to it.

Directed by Tony Giglio (SWAT: Under Siege, Soccer Dog: The Movie), Doom: Annihilation features a hilarious distress call that consists of "ARRGGGGHHH!" and dialogue such as "Die Die Die." The Favourite it ain't. Still, the set has a "Laser Tag" quality to it, and I used to enjoy laser tag, so I should be able to enjoy this cathartic cornball. A fan asked the official Doom Twitter for their opinion on the trailer, but the team?? simply re??sponded "We're not involved with the movie."

You can check out the new trailer below. Doom: Annihilation releases this Fall. The tag-line "It's not a game anymore" was also used for Clue: The Movie. There's my film fact for the day.

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Set for Summer 2019

Warner Bros. Japan is teaming up with developer Level-5 to create an anime film adaptation of the Ni no Kuni games. Featuring character designs by Yoshiyuki Momose and a score composed by Joe Hisaish?i, the film is set for a summer 2019 release in Japan. The announcement came through a ??press conference where Level-5 announced that its CEO, Akihiro Hino, would be working as executive producer and scriptwriter for the upcoming film.

Momose should be familiar to fans of Studio Ghibli's work. He has previously worked as animation director on films such as Spirited Away and Porco Rosso, as well as both Ni no Kuni titles. Composer Hisaishi has also previously worked with Studio Ghibli and on the previous Ni no Kuni games. The animation for the film will be produced by OLM, a studio known for anime such as Yo-kai Watch, Inazuma Eleven, and Pokemon. All things con?sidered??, this is shaping up to be an incredibly faithful adaptation for the series.

You can check out the official website by clicking here. Gematsu also has a gallery full of concept art and character descriptions that you can view by clicking here.

Ni no Kuni anime film announced [Gematsu]

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It's Hadoken time

The Power Rangers/Street Fighter crossover going on in the Power Rangers: Legacy Wars mo??bile game was pretty weird to begin with, but it may have just kicked things up a notch. 

It was announced today at San Diego Comic-Con that a new playable character is available??. That character, dubbed "Ryu Ranger," is the result of Ryu getting a hold of his own Crimson Hawk Power Coin and te?aming up with the Rangers to take down Rita Repulsa and M. Bison. 

Ryu will be introduced to any unfamiliar Power Ranger fans via a short film titled Power Rangers: Legacy Wars - Street Fighter Showdown. You can check out the teaser for the?? film above. The short film will be released in the fall, but you can play as Ryu Ranger starting tod??ay. 

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What a horrible night to have a curse

People have been dying to know when the second season of Netflix's hit Castlevania series would be airing and now we have an answer. Make sure to schedule some time off on October 26, as season two hits the service that day. The news comes straight from the official Castlevania Twitter account, along with a couple of screens that look suspiciously like Symphony of the Night.

For many, Netflix's Castlevania series was a true surprise. Konami had done nothing with the franchise for years and video game film adaptations are typically trash. That the series ended up being good was shocking enough, but Konami actually doing something with ??one of its IPs was even crazier. It should come as no surprise, then, that the series would ??get renewed for a second season (which actually happened before the first aired).

More surprising, I've somehow not watched the first season. I even interviewed the director of the series, Sam ?Deats, at RTX last year and left eager to watch. I think hearing about the short runtime made me cautious that I would forget everything before the second season came out. In any case, it looks like I have a couple of hours in October I need to square away?.

Mr. Belmont [Twitter]

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Distinct lack of car-destroying though

A small, independent team of movie makers have released a fan film based on Capcom's 1989 classic arcade game, Final Fight. ??The movie adapts the slight story of three d??esperate men in their efforts to clean up the cesspool of crime that is Metro City.

The Broken Gear, written and directed by Haile Lee, is a 30-minute feature that stars Mason D. Davis as Cody Travers, whose late-night jog through the city streets presents him with a? series of ?cruel criminal encounters. This ultimately leads to his self-destructive rampage through a gang hideout, where he is joined by a mysterious comrade-in-arms, played by Yoshi Sudarso.

All this action is intercut with footage from a press co?nference held by mayor-elect Mike Haggar (played by MMA and pro-wrestling star Don Frye) as he speaks to the associated press of his plans to eradicate Metro City of its main threat, Th?e Mad Gear gang.

Like a lot of '80s action flicks, The Broken Gear is pretty fucking uncompromising. The film is sleazy, seedy and violent, reflecting its so??urce material pretty we?ll. The fight choreography - once the fists start flying - is fantastic, with bone-crunching use of sound and reckless stunt-bumps. The only downer for me was the music mix, which I found blended awkwardly with the dialogue/effects. But then again, I'm an old man.

The Broken Gear is worth checking out. Be warned, it's very NSFW in language, themes and violence. It's no secret that Final Fight is my favourite video game of all-time, so to see its universe adapted this way is really cool, even if we don't get nearly enough Poison. Kudos to Haile Lee and his talented cast and cr??ew?? for this great endeavour.

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Story-driven title coming to the big screen

2011's cult PC title To The Moon is to be adapted into an animated movie. T?he news was announce?d by the game's Canadian developer Kan Gao on his official YouTube account.

The seven-year-old game, which was developed in RPG Maker XP, concerns the intentions of two scientists, Eva Rosaline and Neil Watts, who are able to create artificial memories of events, Total Recall-style, and im??plant them in the memories of individuals who have little time left to live, thus allow them to p?ass without regret.

The game itself was praised for its complex themes of life choices, death and morality, as well as its bittersweet storyline and moving scor??e. Though some players were a little taken aback by the title's overall lack of gameplay.

The film adaptation? will be a collaborative project between Japan and China and will feature a "significant" budget and "first-tier" production companies. Kan Gao will have a role in the overseeing the film's script-writing process. I wonder if, when Gao sat down to create the small-scal??e title back in 2010, he had any idea of the path it would eventually lead him.

To The Moon is available now on PC, Mac and Android devices.

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Tokyo: Become Human sounds a lot better, honestly

Sony Japan has uploaded a short film to promote Quantic Dream's upcoming Detroit: Become Human. Set in Tokyo and aptly titled Tokyo: Become Human, the film appears to cover the same kind of dilemmas you'll face in the main game. I didn't realize Quantic Dream's games had big appeal in Japan, but apparently Sony is doing i?ts damnedest to promote this title.

I can't actually tell what is happening, though, as the thing is entirely in Japanese without subtitles. Even with the language barrier, I'm in awe at the production values for this. A short film of this caliber gets me way more excited for Detroit than the short demo on PSN ever could.

Now I just hope a fan translates the thing, because I'm intere??sted in seeing what the hell is going on.

Tokyo: Become Human 『Detroit: Become Human Spin off movie』[ResetEra]

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