Ratchet & Clank film coming in 2015
Insomniac's animated duo is getting a big screen debut
Sony has announced that Insomniac's Ratchet & Clank will be getting a computer-generated feature film. The film is being created by Rainmaker Entertainment and Blockade Entertainment, but Insomniac will have a "hands-on role" in the film's production. Ratchet & Clank writer T.J. Fixman will be penning the script for the film.
Rainmaker has had previous experience with CG films from their production of Escape From Planet Earth. It was the studio's first film and earned more than $60 million worldwide. Blockade is the studio behind an upcoming, direct-to-video CG-animated film based on the Heavenly Sword game.
The film will be directed by Toy Story 2 and Finding Nemo director of photography Jericca Cleland. James A. Taylor, David Kaye, and Jim Ward will reprise their roles as Ratchet, Clank, and Qwark respectively.
"Ratchet & Clank is a world-renowned video game franchise that appeals to a broad audience," Blockade CEO Brad Foxhoven told Variety. "By working closely with SCEA and Insomniac, we will remain true to the game's expansive mythology while also creating a story that will capture the imagination of those who will be new to this incredible world. It's meant for a mass audience and not just those who know the franchise."
Though the games provided the source material, Blockade and Rainmaker aren't going to remain shackled to what has come before.
"You don't want to alienate the core people that made this franchise so successful, but at the end of the day, the game itself is irrelevant. It's all about what you're seeing on that screen. It's about going to see a fantastic animated movie," said Rainmaker president Michael Hefferon, who is also the movie's executive producer.
"We've always thought 'Ratchet & Clank' would be a fantastic all-ages movie and are thrilled our intergalactic heroes will finally get their chance to shine on the big screen," said Insomniac Games CEO Ted Price. "Insomniac is especially honored to play a hands-on role with the film's production, including the screenplay, consulting on character development and animation, and adding support to the film's marketing."