Paul W.S. Anderson, the director of Monster Hunter, has given his advice when it comes to adapting video games for the big screen.
When it comes to making movies out of video games, Paul W.S. Anderson has a lot of experience thanks to his work on Mortal Kombat and Resident Evil.
Anderson’s next video game adaptation is the Capcom smash-hit fantasy game Monster Hunter and now the director has given his thoughts on successfully making video game movies. Speaking to Screen Rant, he said:
“I think you need to stay true to the fabric of the game – which we have done, as I’ve kind of demonstrated. But also I think you have to be aware that you’re walking a very fine line, because as well as making a movie for fans who know a lot about the source material, you’re also making a movie for people who don’t know anything about it. Mortal Kombat works for both audiences, and I’m always aware of that line. And that’s why sometimes hardcore fans take offense because we change some things.
“But really, we’re trying to do our best to tell a story that doesn’t exclude anybody. I think that’s the thing you want to not do. You don’t want people to go, “Oh, I don’t play the game. Therefore, that movie is not for me.” You want people who both play the game and don’t play the game to go, “That is very cool.”
SEE ALSO: Looking Back At The Mortal Kombat Movie 25 Years On
These are certainly two important things to remember. Not excluding newcomers from a movie and catering to fans of the video game is a hard balance to strike. We will see how successful Monster Hunter is when it comes out this December.
“Behind our world, there is another: a world of dangerous and powerful monsters that rule their domain with deadly ferocity. When an unexpected sandstorm transports Lt. Artemis (Milla Jovovich) and her unit (TI Harris, Meagan Good, Diego Boneta) to a new world, the soldiers are shocked to discover that this hostile and unknown environment is home to enormous and terrifying monsters immune to their firepower. In their desperate battle for survival, the unit encounters the mysterious Hunter (Tony Jaa), whose unique skills allow him to stay one step ahead of the powerful creatures. As Artemis and Hunter slowly build trust, she discovers that he is part of a team led by the Admiral (Ron Perlman). Facing a danger so great it could threaten to destroy their world, the brave warriors combine their unique abilities to band together for the ultimate showdown.”
Monster Hunter sees Paul W.S. Anderson directing a cast that includes Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil), Meagan Good(Think Like a Man), Tip ‘T.I.’ Harris (Ant-Man and the Wasp), Tony Jaa (Ong-Bak), Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy) and Diego Boneta (Scream Queens).
Monster Hunter is set for release in the U.S. on December 30th.
