6 Actors Starring In Upcoming Video Game Movies
Actors currently can’t get enough of video game adaptations and here’s the proof.
Video game adaptations were once the butt of a lot of jokes. Recent years, however, have seen opinions change, and thanks to shows such as The Last of Us, these kinds of projects have become something that high-profile actors actively seek out.
Where once a video game adaptation would have been littered with unknowns, now they are awash with famous faces and the trend doesn’t appear to be changing any time soon. Feast your eyes on the next crop of video game adaptations and their insane castings.
Kirsten Dunst - A Minecraft Movie: Minecraft Squared
The first Minecraft movie was a colossal hit at the box-office, grossing just shy of $1 billion. Its success was not all that surprising considering that the video game that inspired the movie has a never-ending sea of players. What was something of a shock was just how fun the film was, with Jack Black being a perfect embodiment of Steve. A sequel was immediately greenlit and, as teased during the end credit sting, will include the arrival of fellow crafter Alex.
In a move that doesn’t necessarily track with her recent body of work, Alex will be played by Kirsten Dunst. She is no stranger to a blockbuster project, having played Mary-Jane Watson in the Sam Raimi Spider-Man films, but since then, Dunst has been quite happy working in the arena of low- and mid-budget productions. In a refreshing move, Dunst has confirmed that the reason she’s signed up for A Minecraft Movie: Minecraft Squared is that, first, her kids are obsessed with the game, and second, she’d like to make some money for a change.
Sam Neill - The Legend of Zelda
It was only recently that we sadly lost the acting wonder that was Sam Neill. The actor was something of a chameleon and was able to traverse genres, being as much of a hit with the horror crowd as with comedy fans and families. For many of us, he will always be Dr Alan Grant, but for the younger generation, his legacy will be forged in the forthcoming The Legend of Zelda.
Who Sam Neill is playing in The Legend of Zelda has yet to be revealed. All that has been shared so far is that he was indeed present on Wes Ball’s set for a period of time and that the secret role will now count as his final on-screen appearance. Without confirmation, game fans have started their theories with the top three contenders being Princess Zelda’s father, King Rhoam, ancient sage Rauru, or a wise elder. Either way, we’ll be seated on opening day to pay tribute to this fantastic actor.
Kristen Bell - Sonic the Hedgehog 4
Just like the games themselves, it seems that there is no end to the Sonic the Hedgehog movies. The first was a surprise success, and since then, the team have consistently given the game audience exactly what they wanted. Each new movie has also gifted gamers with a new iconic character. Sonic 2 introduced both Tails and Knuckles, with Sonic 3 adding Shadow, and during its closing moments, teased the arrival of pink hedgehog Amy.
The movies have managed to draw some well-known talent to voice the animated characters, and Sonic the Hedgehog 4 sees Kristen Bell join the ranks of Idris Elba and Keanu Reeves. Bell is no stranger to voice work, having famously voiced Anna in the Frozen movies as well as providing the guiding voice of Gossip Girl on the hit show.
Kit Connor - Elden Ring
Since starring in Heartstopper, Kit Connor has become one of the most in-demand actors working today. He was recently announced as being the new MCU Cyclops in the new X-Men cast, but before that, he can be found in Alex Garland’s Elden Ring.
Fans have been crying out for a movie adaptation of the dark fantasy game for years, but many have viewed it as unfilmable. Once upon a time, a similar thing was said about the adaptation of the Lord of the Rings books, and we all know how that went, so hopes are high that someone of Garland’s calibre can do something special with the property. Although filming is underway, it remains unclear who Connor will be playing, but he’s in some very fine company with Ben Whishaw, Cailee Spaeny, Nick Offerman, Tom Burke, and Sonoya Mizuno also onboard.
Sophie Turner - Tomb Raider
Like Mario and Sonic, Lara Croft is a video game icon. The Tomb Raider games were instrumental in helping drive the popularity of the original PlayStation console, and Miss Croft has more than earned her place in the video game Hall of Fame. The character has already been adapted for film several times, with both Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander having portrayed the role on the big screen. The next adaptation of Tomb Raider will be for television, with Sophie Turner in the role of Lara Croft.
Turner got her big break as Sansa Stark on Game of Thrones. Over the course of the eight seasons, Sansa had one of the most traumatic character arcs. She went from innocent and shallow wannabe princess to a woman hardened by the cruelty she was subjected to by both Joffrey and Ramsey. Although Sansa eventually was shown to have great strength and determination, it remains unclear quite how she’ll handle the intrepid archaeological explorer.
Dave Bautista - God of War
God of War is another video game that is coming to television rather than film, and whilst fans are keen to see the finished result, the production hasn’t been easy. Originally, it was Sons of Anarchy star Ryan Hurst cast in the lead role of Kratos, but the actor suffered a long-term injury during shooting and has had to be replaced. Stepping up and taking over from Hurst is former WWE entertainer Dave Bautista.
Given his sporting history, Bautista definitely has the muscles to look the part, but it has been his post-wrestling career that confirms he’ll also be able to handle the acting side, too. His portrayal of Drax in the Guardians of the Galaxy films is hilarious, but in contrast, his brief role in Blade Runner 2049 is heartbreaking. Easily the wrestler-turned-actor with the most range, we can’t wait to see how he handles a meaty lead character like Kratos.
