The collaboration between the kings of mecha media, Sunrise and the production company behind Pacific Rim, Legendary Entertainment, seems to progressing at a steady pace as concept art for the upcoming Gundam live action movie was just released on the Gundam.info portal site. The website further confirms that the film will be a Netflix movie to be released worldwide, with Legendary being responsible for its distribution in China.
The reveal also came with details of the members of staff working on the movie. The staff list now officially lists Jordan Vogt-Roberts (famous work: Kong: Skull Island) as the director and producer, comic writer Brian K. Vaughan as the lead writer for the script, and a group in charge of production command led by Sunrise’s creative team and Legendary’s Cale Boyter were also announced. Fans seem to be cautiously optimistic as the two companies are promoting the notion that this movie will be an entry that is faithful to the franchise. A major positive sign took the form of a short introductory video from the director himself, excitedly showing his “Gunpla” Gundam models whilst professing his passion for the franchise.
The addition of this concept art reveal, as well as the re-affirmation that the original company that created the franchise will be working closely with production, indicates there is a chance that this new movie will not be a soulless cash-grab that is devoid of any connection to the source material. Indeed, an important detail to note is that the design of this Gundam is similar to those seen in the classic mainline Gundam universe. The build is more blocky and sturdy in design, featuring less jet-like features such as fins, aero dynamic armour and other embellishments that otherwise plague more modern designs of Gundam. It is clear that the designers of this Mobile Suit wanted to evoke the idea of a return to tradition; a gripping space opera where the brutality of war is laid bare amongst the juxtaposed absurdity of badass giant robots exploding.
This is not Sunrise’s first foray into the live action film realm, as their 1999 release of G-Saviour was met with less than stellar reception mostly due to its dull plot, mediocre script and acting, combined with a presentation so dry you dehydrate sand with it. With a bigger budget and a more qualified and passionate team, this movie has the chance to be something special; a gift for fans and a new entry point for newcomers.
Are you excited for this movie? Or are you still unconvinced that it will do the source material justice? Go wild with your thoughts in the comment box!
1 Comment
Sherlockity
December 2, 2021 at 10:42 pmYou had me at badass giant robots exploding, actually kinda excited for this now nice article!