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Monster Hunter is officially headed to Hollywood, with a live-action feature film based on the franchise now in production. Capcom confirmed Thursday that the project is in development at Constantin Film, following months of reports from Hollywood trade publications.
Paul W.S. Anderson of the Resident Evil film franchise is re-teaming with the publisher to adapt Monster Hunter, serving as director, writer and producer. His involvement was also rumored earlier this year, when details about the unannounced film adaptation were leaking out.
Capcom did not announce a release window for the film, which will be distributed in the U.S. by Sony’s genre imprint, Screen Gems. However, the company said that principal photography is set to begin this month in Namibia and South Africa.
Despite all the gossip throughout the year, Capcom is keeping most of the details close to the vest, so the company’s synopsis isn’t telling us much. This is what we know thus far about the live-action movie, which is tentatively titled Monster Hunter:
The film tells the story of two heroes who come from different worlds to defeat a shared danger, the powerful, deadly and magnificent monsters that inhabit the land. Along the way viewers will make new discoveries and encounter familiar faces and beloved characters from the games like the Admiral.
Also left out of the announcement is the movie’s cast, although we’ve heard rumblings about at least one member. Milla Jovovich is reportedly starring in Monster Hunter, bringing her back together with her Resident Evil director (and husband) Anderson. Other reported cast members include Tony Jaa of the Ong-Bak action movies, rapper turned actor T.I. and Ron Perlman of Hellboy fame.
“After living and breathing in the universe of Monster Hunter for 14 years we are thrilled with enormous anticipation to see our creations adapted for a theatrical release,” said Ryozo Tsujimoto, producer of the Monster Hunter series, in a news release.
Capcom is on a feature film tear, it seems, as this is the second adaptation it has announced today. Just this morning, the company revealed that a live-action take on Mega Man is in the works.
