Dungeons & Dragons, most commonly known as D&D, is coming out with a new movie that has taken the internet by storm.
Although, it has some people questioning whether it will be able to overcome one of the most common issues with video games and fantasy movies.
Well before we go into the plot, we have to describe what exactly D&D is. Dungeon and Dragons for those who don’t know is a roleplaying tabletop game that gives players full control of their own world through imagination. What’s great about it is that while there is a handbook with rules and guidelines, it’s really up to you and your group about how you want to play.
Ever since its creation in the 1970’s it’s been an icon in the gaming world. Though since being published by Wizards of the Coast in the late 90s its popularity has grown stronger. Now, what does this dice game have to do with Hollywood and the big screen?
Who needs heroes when you have thieves? Watch the NEW trailer for Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and get ready to see it in theatres March 2023. #DnDMovie pic.twitter.com/QcKptU2FMJ
— DnDMovie (@DnDMovie) July 21, 2022
Well, it was announced that the production company Entertainment One, the studio behind films like the 2019 horror film “Scary Stories to Tell in The Dark” is in production of “Dungeon and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” starring well-known actor Chris Pine as well as an assortment of talented actors/actresses.
On their quest to steal a lost relic. We see references to the game though instead of figures and dice we get what looks to be pretty decent CGI and even more epic fight scenes.
Though we also see monsters that are well known in D&D like a Mimic, an object in most cases a normal-looking treasure chest that is actually a monster in disguise.
We also see a Tiefling Druid character by the name of Doric using a spell called Wild Shape, which allows them to transform into a creature of their choice within reason. There we see some amazing CGI as this small human turns into a gigantic Owl Bear.
The party’s just getting started. ⚔️ Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is coming to theatres March 2023. #DnDMovie pic.twitter.com/hRnS20aeXu
— DnDMovie (@DnDMovie) July 21, 2022
Now will this film, unlike other video game-based movies, actually succeed? I think so and here’s why with other video game movies like the most recent “Uncharted” film, DND isn’t bound by already established lore, of course, there are some things set in stone like classes, spells, and other stuff but in the end, it’s a roleplaying game where you make the rules.
Other movies are tied down by already having a universe set in stone. Though of course, some use this as a reason to complain, for instance saying that Druids cannot wild shape into an Owl Bear.
This gives the film a good chance of doing well because you don’t have to understand it to enjoy it. Though of course, we are still hoping to see believable characters and decent dialogue which is an important aspect of any movie.
Rule of Cool always trumps the rules as written #DnDMovie #dnd pic.twitter.com/qSHLWrBAVF
— Eric Jordan (@ericremyjordan) July 22, 2022
Overall, I’m hoping to see a major win for this film as it will be the first ever film surrounding D&D and maybe won’t even be the last. But will this film roll a nat one on performance? We’ll find out in March of 2023 when the film hits theaters. Until then keep up with all your favorite pop culture right here.