Later this year, Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group will release a video game based on Universal's blockbuster action-thriller
Wanted.
Loosely based on the comic miniseries by
Mark Millar (
The Ultimates) and
J.G. Jones (
Final Crisis),
Wanted tells the tale of Wesley Gibson (
Atonement's
James McAvoy), an apathetic office worker introduced to a new life in the Fraternity of Assassins led by Oscar winners
Morgan Freeman (
The Dark Knight) and
Angelina Jolie (
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider).
"
Wanted is a film with a fantastic visual style, an in-your-face attitude and edge-of-your-seat action sequences, and moviegoers around the world have resoundingly embraced it," said
Bill Kispert, VP and GM, Interactive, Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group.
Released on June 27, the movie has grossed almost $180 million worldwide.
UP Digital put the
Wanted game into development in early 2007 after reading the screenplay and viewing pre-visual material for the film production. So it's likely that the third-person action game, while including signature moves such as "curving bullets" and "Assassin Time," will have a different look from the movie directed by
Timur Bekmambetov (
Night Watch). But renowned game developer GRIN (
Bionic Commando) has worked closely with the film's creative team to expand
Wanted's mythology faithfully. The storyline of the game begins where the movie ends, exploring Wesley's deepening involvement with the Fraternity.
"The team at GRIN has a proven track record of creating action games that push the envelope in terms of gameplay and combat," said executive game producer
Pete Wanat (
Scarface: The World Is Yours). "With the
Wanted video game, GRIN is creating entirely new gameplay mechanics and an experience that pulls no punches."
To be published worldwide by Warner Bros. Interactive Ent.,
Wanted will be available for consoles and PC.