Video game-based movies are generally a hit or miss — and usually the latter. Something about an amazing user-controlled gaming experience doesn’t translate as well as expected when brought to the big screen. Game development company Ubisoft will try ride the tides of their record-breaking sales by bringing its video game The Division to the big screen, and they have cast their leading man.
According to Variety, Jake Gyllenhaal is attached to the upcoming film as both producer and the film’s star. This would be his second video game-based film role, following the critically-panned Prince of Persia: Sands of Time back in 2010, which is also an Ubisoft property.
The Division has become Ubisoft’s fastest selling product accruing $330 million dollars, only five days after its March 8, 2016 release. The third-person shooter takes place in a post-apocalyptic New York City following the outbreak of smallpox. Gamers control a customized agent of the “Strategic Homeland Division” also known as “The Division” who’s mission is to restore the task force’s base of operations in Manhattan, eliminate criminal activity following the pandemic and investigate the source of the outbreak.
Ubisoft is also bringing several other titles the the silver screen, such as Assassin’s Creed which will star Michael Fassbender as well as Splinter Cell starring Tom Hardy.