Video Games - a general discussion thread — Page 35

'Batman' Cast Flocks to Video Game

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Christian Bale (news), Michael Caine (news), Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman (news) and almost all other primary cast members of "Batman Begins" have agreed to reprise their roles in the video game tie-in.

Co-publishers Electronic Arts and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment were set to confirm the unprecedented crossover Friday. Others in the movie's cast who also will appear in the game include Katie Holmes, Cillian Murphy and Tom Wilkinson.

The interactive version of "Batman Begins" is in development by EA and Eurocom and is on schedule to be released in June, day-and-date with the Warner Bros. Pictures film directed by Christopher Nolan.

"Actors spent a lot of time developing their character for this movie, and having the talent reprise their role in the game is a way for them to maintain the integrity of what they've done," said Jason Hall, senior vp Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "And it's cool!"

The actors have approval over how they and their characters are represented. Business terms of the project were not disclosed, though Hall did say such deals vary too widely to draw any generalizations.

The most complex part of putting the game cast together was organizing the logistics and making sure everyone involved was fully informed about the process, Hall said. Getting the actors to sign on was more straightforward.

"Warner Bros. has the foresight to work with the talent and get them into the project proactively," Hall said. "More people now understand what video games are, the opportunity they represent and the kind of stories they can tell. These collaborations are much more possible now that the technological and visual capabilities are so advanced."