I have never been a gamer, but I have nonetheless been confounded over Hollywood’s inability to successfully adapt some of today’s most prominent game properties into feature films (instead focusing their attention on board games). The graphics in video games are increasingly astounding and are often accompanied by interesting storylines. Game companies even release preview trailers with a cinematic structure, and appear even more polished than actual movie trailers. Despite that, video game adaptations like Prince of Persia, Doom and Hitman have been critical and box office disappointments, with the only possible exceptions being the Lara Croft and Resident Evil franchises at least when it comes to gross. While successful video game movies appear to be a bleak proposition, several artists and Photoshop mavens have created movie posters based off some of today’s most popular games that offer a glimpse of what could be, as well as casting the actors for some of the roles. Hit the jump to check out the impressive work.
The Daily Dip (and a nod to FirstShowing for the heads-up) has compiled 20 movie posters based off several well known game properties. While I am ashamed to admit I only recognize about two-thirds of the titles, they all piqué my interest as a moviegoer. As with the best movie posters, many of these images are simple and only offer a tease to those viewing them.
What I also find interesting are the choices of the actors the artists have chosen to cast in some of these roles, such as Tom Hardy playing Kratos in God of War, which is undoubtedly influenced by his appearance in The Dark Knight Rises and Bronson. You can view some of the posters below, featuring the likes of Nathan Fillion as Uncharted’s Nathan Drake, and Brad Pitt as John Marston in Red Dead Redemption.
The possibility we may someday see a really bad-ass movie based off a video game is not without hope, as it was recently announced that an adaptation of Assassin’s Creed is in development with Michael Fassbender attached as a star and co-producer. If such an endeavor is commercially successful, I wouldn’t be surprised to see video game adaptations acquire greater talent and lead to better films, in much the same way the superhero genre has developed over the last 12 years.
Which video game inspired movie poster is your favorite? Is there a video game property you think has the best chance to be adapted into a great feature film? Let us know in the comments section below.