Gamer-Talk.net - MechWarrior Is Blasting Its Way Onto the Big Screen

WizKids Media announced today an agreement with Hollywood screenwriter and producer Dean Devlin to produce a movie based on the MechWarrior universe. Devlin has produced films such as Stargate, Independence Day, Godzilla, The Patriot and Eight Legged Freaks. Paramount Pictures is in negotiations to option the property from WizKids for Devlin's Electric Entertainment. . .

"Whether I write the script, help with the script or direct, I'm crazy about the material. This is a real passion project for me," Devlin said. Devlin would like to get the movie into theaters within 24 months.

"The film, in many ways, will be a coming of age story," said Jordan Weisman, WizKids CEO. "It's set 40 years after the 'Mech wars have ended, and introduces a group of young heroes in their early 20s who have grown up in peaceful and prosperous times." Weisman said the sci-fi universe he created 20 years ago was heavily influenced by the relationships that World War II pilots developed with the fighter planes they flew. The movie will focus on The Republic, a melting pot of people similar to the United States, and how factions in The Republic and forces outside of it are hoping to restart the 'Mech wars of old.

The film is being produced in association with WizKids Media, the film, television and interactive media subsidiary of WizKids LLC. Weisman and WizKids Media President, Marc Sachnoff, will serve as the executive producers along with Electric Entertainment's Partner and COO, Philippe Maigret. WizKids Media has recently set up the Mage Knight(tm) franchise with Producer Mark Gordon (Saving Private Ryan) and is currently shopping the Shadowrun(r) franchise with key studios and creatives.