Metal Gear Movie in the Works

Metal Gear Movie in the Works

On August 30, Tokyo, Japan played host to an event commemorating 25 years of the "Metal Gear" franchise, where the series' acclaimed game director, Hideo Kojima made an announcement that many of the franchise's fans were hoping for: a "Metal Gear Solid" film is currently in the works. With this venture, Kojima's prospective "Metal Gear Solid" movie aims to put an end to the tradition of poorly made film adaptations of video games.

To do so, Kojima has enlisted the aid of CEO and founder of Marvel Studios, Avi Arad, who appeared alongside Kojima at the event. Arad, who is set to produce the "Metal gear Solid" film, has numerous other production credits to his name, including highly acclaimed titles like "Spider-Man 2" and "Iron Man." Arad called video games the comic books of today. Having worked at forefront of the superhero box office craze, he recognizes the popularity of bringing comic book characters to the big screen; for him, video games are the next place for production companies to turn to for high grossing adaptations. Arad has made deals with other game developers to put their characters on film; in addition to the "Metal Gear Solid Series," Arad hopes to adapt games like "inFamous," "Mass Effect" and "Uncharted."

"Metal Gear" was first released in 1987 on the MSX2 Computer System in Japan, but the series achieved its mainstream popularity with the PlayStation release of "Metal Gear Solid" in 1998. Since then, there have several games across numerous platforms, and the franchise is considered among the gaming industry's greatest and most influential. "Metal Gear Solid" games have always been characterized by lengthy cutscenes and intricate, if convoluted, plot lines. The center of the "Metal Gear Solid" universe, however, has always been the series' protagonist, Solid Snake. The "Metal Gear Solid" film is yet to be casted, so it anyone's guess as to who will play this iconic character.

Christian Bale ("American Psycho," "The Dark Knight") has expressed interest in playing Snake in the past. This scenario seems especially plausible given Hideo Kojima's admiration of Christopher Nolan's ("The Dark Knight") directorial work. Bale's performance as the Caped Crusader was just adequate and overshadowed by other performances, but his gravely 'I ate sandpaper and razorblades for breakfast' voice may prove a sufficient substitute for that of Snake's powerful voice actor, David Hayter.

Though Christian Bale doesn't lack enthusiasm, there is another actor who is much more suited to don Snake's legendary bandana and sneaking suit. Hugh Jackman ("X-Men") made a name for himself playing the grizzled and brooding hero, Wolverine. Jackman expertly portrayed Wolverine's personality characteristics, some of which the Marvel character shares with Snake: both characters love to smoke, are hardened combat veterans, are skeptical of authority and are depicted as loners. In addition to looking the part, Jackman can capture Snake's persona. Hopefully Arad, who produced the "X-Men" films, can make a few phone calls.

Fans have endured years of false rumors and failed attempts at a "Metal Gear Solid" movie. It seems that this most recent proposal has a high likelihood of, not only coming to fruition, but putting video game film adaptations on the map.

SOURCE:INSIDE BEAT