One thing to note is that it’s the Warcraft movie, and not the World of Warcraft movie. Currently the release date seems to be for March ’16, but it’s already slid back at least once, so don’t count on that being the real date. The story will be about the first contact between Orcs and Humans. While the Orcs were the aggressors, invading the Human lands, they were also under demonic influence. Durotan and Lothar are the protagonists and it’s looking like there will be no read “bad guy,” other than the side opposite those of us who lean towards the other faction. Gamefront has a movie primer where this is discussed. Regarding the Orcs…
The movie may very well open with a scene from Durotan’s childhood — a scene in which he and his friend, Orgrim Doomhammer, are assaulted by an ogre while racing each other through a forest. The two are saved thanks to the intervention of a draenei hunting party, establishing Durotan’s sympathy for the race of people that the orcish horde would one day wipe off the face of the planet.
And the Humans…
How can Blizzard best introduce Anduin Lothar, a man who would go on to become regarded as one of the greatest warriors of all time? Perhaps by depicting the childhood incident in which he demonstrates martial prowess against trolls while on an adventure with his friends Prince Llane Wrynn and Medivh, thereby establishing three key characters in one scene. Wrynn will go on to become King during the First War, while the sorcerer Medivh will be the catalyst for this war.
Of course, this is all speculation, but it sounds like fun. Here’s the rest: Warcraft Movie Lore Primer They have a director, one Duncan Jones, who did Moon and Source code, both which I thought were pretty good. Hopefully he can do good things with this movie. More here: Duncan Jones Chooses Warcraft Over James Bond Writer Ian Fleming ScreenRant ran a piece a few months ago on some of the plans for the movie.
What’s clear at this point is that Jones isn’t going to make a dumbed-down blockbuster that’s totally friendly to mainstream audiences. He’s going big, here, and while that’s a huge risk with a general public that doesn’t frequently turn out for fantasy fare (Ringsand Harry Potter aside, among a few other exceptions), the payoff could be equally great. Contemporary fantasy movies rarely receive their due diligence while video game movies are typically seen as a joke, but it sounds like Jones intends on making the best film possible in both traditions, which is nothing if not exciting. Here’s the rest: Warcraft Movie Plot Details
More details were released at Blizon, though most of it is still under wraps.
… the film will be an “origin story,” focusing on the “first contact” between humans and Orcs. Iconic characters Anduin Lothar and Durotan from the original real-time strategy games will play major roles.
Jones stated that originally, the Warcraft film’s script was human and Alliance-centric. The team felt, however, that that wouldn’t have done justice to Warcraft’s other half: the Orcs and the Horde. “It’s about both sides,” said Jones, who wants the movie’s audience to be as sympathetic for the Orc heroes as the Human ones. “It’s going to be red and blue.” In other words, the Warcraft film will be about “being a hero no matter what side you’re on.”
Metzen remarked that this decision was made so that all Warcraft players can experience in the film the same balance between factions they enjoy in the games. “You have to be as empathetic for Orc heroes and their situation and why they’re doing what they’re doing as you are about anyone,” stated Jones. Pardo added: “the red side is characters too.” Durotan will represent the uncorrupted Orc nobility.
“To tell a story where you’re really, honestly telling it from both sides—especially a war film—is unusual,” Jones added. “The fact that we’re able to get an opportunity to do that is, on a story level, breaking a few barriers. I don’t think you’re going to see a lot of films with this structure.” More from GMA’s post: Warcraft movie reveals story, iconic characters, locales
IMDB.com has a page up for the movie, so far all of the cast members are “rumored.” Looks like Duncan joins, above, will also be a writer along with one Charles Leavitt. WoWwiki’s page also lists some of the crew and some background of the whole movie project. Colin Farrel is rumored to be playing one of the leads in the Warcraft Movie, but he has not confirmed this or released any details. He has admitted to reading the script, which he thought was awesome. More here.
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