As often as I hate on video game movies, I do understand why studios see potential in the format. After all, in recent years games have become quite cinematic and some even tell great stories. That said, however, even in spite of incredible popularity some games never need to change format. Angry Birds is a perfect example of this, but when has a bad idea ever stopped Hollywood from moving forward with a project?
Variety has learned that David Maisel, the former Marvel Studios chairman, is now working with Rovio to develop a film about the addicting mobile phone game. Dating back to last August, the company has shown a strong interest in expanding into all forms of media, including animated shorts, TV shows, and merchandising in addition to a feature film. During his time at Marvel, Maisel was a major figure in moving the comic book company into the movie world and establishing Marvel Studios. He was also responsible for the $4 billion sale of the company to Disney. Maisel will be a "special adviser" to Rovio as they try and stretch their brand. Angry Birds has been downloaded more than 250 million times since it was first put on the market in 2009. In the game, users launch multiple kinds of birds at wood and stone structures to kill green pigs that stole their eggs. Maisel plans to produce the movies himself and the search is currently on for directors and writers to helm the project. Said Maisel of the project,
"People are interacting with these characters six inches from them each time they play, and that creates an emotional connection. This is not an American thing. It's not even a Finnish thing. It's a global thing that's something I've never seen before. It will be exciting to expand [this intellectual property] within Hollywood."
The really bad news here is that Maisel is a man that knows how to get stuff done, meaning that a useless Angry Birds movie could be hitting theaters sooner than you think. From here on out I will officially feel guilty every time I manage to beat a new level.
