Tetris To Become Sci-Fi Film Trilogy

Tetris To Become Sci-Fi Film Trilogy

Yet another arcade-to-movie adaptation has been announced, but this title was highly unexpected: Tetris is set to become a sci-fi film trilogy.

Tetris has experienced a phenomenal and enduring popularity over the decades since its release in 1984 by Russian game designer, Alexey Pajitnov. The game was loved and played (and replayed) due to its simple game play that required a high level of strategic thinking.

While it’s a popular and enduring game, it doesn’t make much sense to make a film out of it (lest of all three films), simply because there are no characters to follow in the game or any real storyline.

The Tetris movie is being developed via a new company, formed in partnership between producer Larry Kasanoff (Strange Days, True Lies, Mortal Kombat) and Seven Star Works, a production concern financed by Chinese media businessman Bruno Wu.

“Tetris, one of the most recognised video game franchises of all time, is a perfect first project for this strategy,” adds Kasanoff, the first producer to develop a hit movie based on a video game, with two number-one Mortal Kombat films to his credit. “For our debut project, Threshold Global Studios will bring one of the most beloved, cross-generational gaming brands in the world to the big screen as an epic, sci-fi thriller.”

“Today there are so many great sources on which to build a movie blockbuster and video gaming is certainly an amazing category with its huge international following, so to have this legacy brand, Tetris, is a great, first project for us with Larry, who knows his way around this landscape,” says Wu.

Threshold’s Jimmy Ienner is executive producing with The Tetris Company and Seven Stars. Line Producer Dane Smith (Transformers, Harry Potter, Spiderman) will be responsible for implementing the unique Tetris VFX developed especially for the film.

“Just like playing the game, all the pieces are falling into place with bringing an epic, sci-fi thriller based on Tetris to the big screen,” says Maya Rogers, CEO of Blue Planet Software, Inc., sole agent for the Tetris brand. “Threshold Entertainment and Seven Stars have been great partners to work with, and we look forward to continuing the momentum we’ve built as the film moves through the creative process. We’re very excited to bring Tetris fans worldwide this epic tale in the form of a major motion picture.”

While many arcade enthusiasts have their very serious doubts about this project, it will be interesting to see what they try and do with the very limited material and how much Tetris will actually have to do with the trilogy. Other adaptations coming to screen include Shinobi, Rampage, Centipede, and Missile Command – all of which are in various stages of development.