The idea of video games as cinematic achievements seems like it’s more of a recent trend thanks to the advanced hardware of current generation systems and the art of storytelling evolving with games. Games like “Metal Gear Solid” and “The Last of Us” have been cited as helping to bridge the divide between films and video games but the truth is, that link goes even further back. “Dragon’s Lair” from 1983 may be rightly called one of the first cinematic gaming experiences, so it’s only fitting that it receives a full, cinematic treatment with a talented director.
If you’ve never played or are not familiar with “Dragon’s Lair,” it’s an arcade title that was effectively an interactive cartoon animated by Don Bluth. As far as how it plays, the player “controls” the character of Dirk the Daring in his efforts to rescue Princess Daphne from the castle lair of a dragon. The reason “controls” is in quotations though is because all you really do is press a button at a given time to avoid dying. If you press the right button at the right time, Dirk moves onto another chamber of the dungeon. It’s about as basic of gameplay as you can get, but you didn’t play it for the game itself, you played it for it seeing what would happen with its stellar animation.
Because of all this, the game is ripe for an adaptation of some kind, and Ryan Reynolds and James Bobin (“The Muppets,” “Muppet’s Most Wanted“). Bobin also directed two episodes of Disney+’s “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series. Reynolds is [still] in talks to produce and star in the film.
The fact it’s taken five years for movement on this project, which isn’t the greatest sign, but it’s something. Our hope is Bluth has some involvement. We look forward to bringing you more information as “Dragon’s Lair” moves forward.
Unless it moves forward into another trap, in which case you’re going to need to insert another quarter.
