Monthly Archives: April 2022

Canceled Deus Ex Movie Script Revealed For the First Time

Before video game movies proved to audiences and critics that they could be good, a Deus Ex movie was in the works at CBS Films. The movie was eventually canceled, but thanks to USA Today's recent interview with Prime Universe Productions' Scott Kinney, some of the script of that canceled project has come to light, giving fans a taste of the project that never came to be.

In the early 2010s, Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill were working on a script for a film adaptation of Deus Ex: Human Revolution, the third game in the series that launched in 2011. In 2014, IGN interviewed Derrickson about the project, where we learned the film was to focus on "deepening" Adam Jensen as a character while maintaining "all the action and fun of the game".

Derrickson was set to direct the project before jumping ship to go work on Doctor Strange. After his departure, the movie was quietly canceled.

For those unfamiliar with the source material, Deus Ex: Human Revolution is an action RPG developed by Eidos Montreal, the studio that most recently worked on Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. The game takes place in the year 2027, and follows Adam Jensen, a security specialist who undergoes body augmentation after a life-threatening accident. This leads to Jensen becoming a killing machine, setting the events of his story in motion. The plot focuses on the social divide between people wealthy enough to afford augmentations, and the normal humans that make up the lower class.

Below, you can read an excerpt from the script of the moment Jensen awakens to find out his body has been augmented:

"INT. CLEAN ROOM – SARIF TECH FACILITY – TIME UNKNOWN
Jensen, eyes closed, lies in a bed, sheet [sic] covering his body. He looks normal enough, save a hexagon carved into the left side of his forehead, and two metal crescents flanking his eyes.
Jensen’s eyes SNAP open. He sits up, quick, confused and disoriented. As he does, the sheet falls away to reveal his legs and torso. He looks like a man, and more. His chest and arms are covered in titanium-infused sheets grafted to his natural skin. His arms are entirely cybernetic, as are his hands which are now black and shiny.
He looks around, and when he does, his world is one of sensory overload — colors too bright, sounds too loud, like his mind is some kind of perverse echo chamber.
JENSEN’S CYBERNETICALLY ENHANCED POV:
He’s in a large lab filled with medical and scientific machines, and devoid of life. Megan’s necklace rests on a small table, and everything is in ultra high definition — no shadow can hide you from him. He blinks and a tactical grid manifests over his POV. Microprocessors record everything he’s seeing, as every item is identified as a possible weapon and/or threat. All in less time than it takes you to blink.
Jensen stands, abruptly. He’s naked. Seen from the back, we note that his spinal column has been replaced with an alloy frame that attaches to all four limbs, and that the lower half of each leg has been replaced with cybernetics."

The parts of the revealed script also go over Jensen's initial aversion to augmentation, conversations with his girlfriend, Dr. Megan Reed, and an attack at the Sarif building. After Jensen awakes, the story follows the game's plot fairly closely, as Sarif's corruption is exposed, the augmented lose their minds, and the heroes put an end to it.

The action scenes described aren't afraid to be violent, with the report saying mechanical parts are liberally torn from augmented characters' bodies. However, we've also learned the movie was not intended to be rated R. You can read all of the included excerpts from the script in the full report.

While the Deus Ex franchise may never hit the big screen, you can check out every upcoming video game movie and show, including Sonic the Hedgehog 2, which launches in theaters this weekend.

Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN. You can find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.

Jim Carrey And Idris Elba React to the Furry Sonic Controllers

One of the weirder promos in recent memories is Xbox's limited edition Sonic 2-themed Xbox Series S, which includes two controllers covered in... fur? Shag carpet? Human hair? It's difficult to tell.

In any case, we showed the controllers to none other than Jim Carrey, who was on hand to celebrate the release of Sonic 2 at the blue carpet event hosted by IGN. Carrey seemed thoroughly nonplussed by the controllers, declining to play a game with them and generally trying to keep them as far away as possible.

"Don't touch me with those," Carrey joked after a lengthy excuse about why he had never played the Sonic games before.

Carrey's reticence is understandable: they are some of the weirdest controllers in recent memory. They're also apt to get gross in a hurry from the normal buildup of sweat and oils that come with playing games for hours at a time.

On the other hand, Knuckles actor Idris Elba seemed much more interested in the Knuckles controller, asking if he could touch it and exclaiming, "Wow! Look at that bad boy." He even found some extra uses for it, such as a giant red mustache.

"What did you guys do? Cut up some slippers?" Elba asked, unaware that they were unofficial controllers.

The furry Sonic controllers are part of a unique Xbox promotion, with the accompanying Xbox featuring a golden ring and an embossed logo from the movie. It's no longer possible to enter via Twitter, but it is possible to cash in Microsoft Points for a raffle ticket until April 30.

As for Carrey, he recently made headlines after he openly discussed retirement following Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Sonic's producers said they "wouldn't even try" to replace Carrey if he were to follow through on his comments and retire.

In IGN's Sonic 2 review we wrote, "Sonic the Hedgehog 2 improves upon its predecessor in many ways, while falling short in a few others." It arrives in theaters on April 8.

Kat Bailey is a Senior News Editor at IGN as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.

Jim Carrey And Idris Elba React to the Furry Sonic Controllers

One of the weirder promos in recent memories is Xbox's limited edition Sonic 2-themed Xbox Series S, which includes two controllers covered in... fur? Shag carpet? Human hair? It's difficult to tell.

In any case, we showed the controllers to none other than Jim Carrey, who was on hand to celebrate the release of Sonic 2 at the blue carpet event hosted by IGN. Carrey seemed thoroughly nonplussed by the controllers, declining to play a game with them and generally trying to keep them as far away as possible.

"Don't touch me with those," Carrey joked after a lengthy excuse about why he had never played the Sonic games before.

Carrey's reticence is understandable: they are some of the weirdest controllers in recent memory. They're also apt to get gross in a hurry from the normal buildup of sweat and oils that come with playing games for hours at a time.

On the other hand, Knuckles actor Idris Elba seemed much more interested in the Knuckles controller, asking if he could touch it and exclaiming, "Wow! Look at that bad boy." He even found some extra uses for it, such as a giant red mustache.

"What did you guys do? Cut up some slippers?" Elba asked, unaware that they were unofficial controllers.

The furry Sonic controllers are part of a unique Xbox promotion, with the accompanying Xbox featuring a golden ring and an embossed logo from the movie. It's no longer possible to enter via Twitter, but it is possible to cash in Microsoft Points for a raffle ticket until April 30.

As for Carrey, he recently made headlines after he openly discussed retirement following Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Sonic's producers said they "wouldn't even try" to replace Carrey if he were to follow through on his comments and retire.

In IGN's Sonic 2 review we wrote, "Sonic the Hedgehog 2 improves upon its predecessor in many ways, while falling short in a few others." It arrives in theaters on April 8.

Kat Bailey is a Senior News Editor at IGN as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.

Remedy and Rockstar Games Announce Max Payne 1 and 2 Remake for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X

Remedy and Rockstar Games have announced they will be remaking Max Payne and Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne.

In a surprise announcement Remedy will work with Rockstar under a new publishing agreement to remake the first two Max Payne games for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. Remedy will handle development while Rockstar will finance the project "which will be in line with a typical Remedy AAA-game production."

The Max Payne remakes will also be developed on Remedy's Northlight game engine, the same engine used to develop Control and the upcoming Alan Wake 2.

The original Max Payne games were also a result of a partnership between Remedy and Rockstar, with Remedy handling development and Rockstar Games publishing. Rockstar also handled the development of Max Payne 3.

"We were thrilled when our long-time friends at Remedy approached us about remaking the original Max Payne games," said Rockstar founder Sam Houser. "We are massive fans of the work the Remedy team has created over the years and we can't wait to play these new versions."

Remedy CEO Tero Virtala added, "Max Payne has always held a special place in the hearts of everyone at Remedy, and we know the millions of fans worldwide feel the same."

Virtala added that the team is excited to "bring the story, action and atmosphere of the original Max Payne games back to players in new ways."

The project is sounding like a full remake given that it will be developed on Remedy's newest engine, and it will have a matching AAA budget. It's tantalizing to imagine the original Max Payne games built using the same engine as Control and Alan Wake 2.

Remedy has had a succesful run as of late with Game of the Year 2019 winner Control and a new partnership with Epic Games for Alan Wake 2. Now, Remedy will return to another beloved franchise with the Max Payne remakes.

Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor. You can reach him @lawoftd.

Remedy and Rockstar Games Announce Max Payne 1 and 2 Remake for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X

Remedy and Rockstar Games have announced they will be remaking Max Payne and Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne.

In a surprise announcement Remedy will work with Rockstar under a new publishing agreement to remake the first two Max Payne games for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. Remedy will handle development while Rockstar will finance the project "which will be in line with a typical Remedy AAA-game production."

The Max Payne remakes will also be developed on Remedy's Northlight game engine, the same engine used to develop Control and the upcoming Alan Wake 2.

The original Max Payne games were also a result of a partnership between Remedy and Rockstar, with Remedy handling development and Rockstar Games publishing. Rockstar also handled the development of Max Payne 3.

"We were thrilled when our long-time friends at Remedy approached us about remaking the original Max Payne games," said Rockstar founder Sam Houser. "We are massive fans of the work the Remedy team has created over the years and we can't wait to play these new versions."

Remedy CEO Tero Virtala added, "Max Payne has always held a special place in the hearts of everyone at Remedy, and we know the millions of fans worldwide feel the same."

Virtala added that the team is excited to "bring the story, action and atmosphere of the original Max Payne games back to players in new ways."

The project is sounding like a full remake given that it will be developed on Remedy's newest engine, and it will have a matching AAA budget. It's tantalizing to imagine the original Max Payne games built using the same engine as Control and Alan Wake 2.

Remedy has had a succesful run as of late with Game of the Year 2019 winner Control and a new partnership with Epic Games for Alan Wake 2. Now, Remedy will return to another beloved franchise with the Max Payne remakes.

Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor. You can reach him @lawoftd.

Netflix’s Marilyn Monroe Biopic ‘Blonde’ Earns NC-17 Rating

Netflix's upcoming film Blonde has become the first movie produced by the streaming giant to receive an NC-17 rating, indicating that it's going to be a raunchy ride.

NC-17 ratings are exceedingly rare and generally only given to films with excess amounts of nudity or graphic sex. Netflix has streamed controversial NC-17 movies in the past, such as Blue is the Warmest Color and 365 Days, but this marks the first time the company has produced a flick that has resulted in the extreme rating.

In the case of Blonde, though, the NC-17 is not entirely surprising. After all, the film gives us a look at the life of beloved actress and sex symbol Marilyn Monroe, who was well-known for pushing boundaries during the 1950s and 1960s. Though it's being touted as a "biopic", it's actually based on the Joyce Carol Oates novel by the same name, which the author has made clear is simply a work of fiction.

In an interview with Screen Daily earlier this year, director Andrew Dominik called the film "demanding."

"If the audience doesn’t like it, that’s the fucking audience’s problem," he said. "It’s not running for public office. It’s an NC-17 movie about Marilyn Monroe, it’s kind of what you want, right? I want to go and see the NC-17 version of the Marilyn Monroe story.”

Blonde stars Ana de Armas as Marilyn Monroe, with costars like Adrien Brody, Julianne Nicholson, and Bobby Cannavale rounding out the cast.

Netflix hasn't revealed a release date for Blonde, but the film is slated for sometime in 2022. In the meantime, check out what's new on the service in April.

Image Credit: Sunset Boulevard / Getty Images

Billy Givens is a freelance writer at IGN.

Netflix’s Marilyn Monroe Biopic ‘Blonde’ Earns NC-17 Rating

Netflix's upcoming film Blonde has become the first movie produced by the streaming giant to receive an NC-17 rating, indicating that it's going to be a raunchy ride.

NC-17 ratings are exceedingly rare and generally only given to films with excess amounts of nudity or graphic sex. Netflix has streamed controversial NC-17 movies in the past, such as Blue is the Warmest Color and 365 Days, but this marks the first time the company has produced a flick that has resulted in the extreme rating.

In the case of Blonde, though, the NC-17 is not entirely surprising. After all, the film gives us a look at the life of beloved actress and sex symbol Marilyn Monroe, who was well-known for pushing boundaries during the 1950s and 1960s. Though it's being touted as a "biopic", it's actually based on the Joyce Carol Oates novel by the same name, which the author has made clear is simply a work of fiction.

In an interview with Screen Daily earlier this year, director Andrew Dominik called the film "demanding."

"If the audience doesn’t like it, that’s the fucking audience’s problem," he said. "It’s not running for public office. It’s an NC-17 movie about Marilyn Monroe, it’s kind of what you want, right? I want to go and see the NC-17 version of the Marilyn Monroe story.”

Blonde stars Ana de Armas as Marilyn Monroe, with costars like Adrien Brody, Julianne Nicholson, and Bobby Cannavale rounding out the cast.

Netflix hasn't revealed a release date for Blonde, but the film is slated for sometime in 2022. In the meantime, check out what's new on the service in April.

Image Credit: Sunset Boulevard / Getty Images

Billy Givens is a freelance writer at IGN.

Sonic Movies ‘Wouldn’t Even Try’ To Replace Jim Carrey If He Retires

The Sonic movies "wouldn't even try" to replace Jim Carrey if the iconic actor decides to follow through on his decision to retire.

Speaking at the Sonic the Hedgehog 2: The Movie "blue carpet" event hosted by IGN, producer Neal Moritz agreed with the statement that it's not possible to fill Carrey's shoes in the role of the villainous Dr. Robotnik.

"No, we wouldn't even try," Moritz said as fellow producer Toby Ascher voiced agreement.

Carrey recently revealed that he is considering retiring from acting after Sonic the Hedgehog 2, saying, "I have enough. I've done enough. I am enough."

Sonic's producers, however, are confident that Carrey will return for another movie. And if he does, they say, he will be welcomed back with open arms.

"Jim Carrey is always a member of the Sonic family and he will always have a place in these movies and TV shows as long as he'd like to be around. We love Jim and he's so special, and what he does with Robotnik is so incredible, we would love him as long as he would like to be there with us," Ascher said.

"I have a feeling that he loves Robotnik so much that I don't think he'll be able to walk away from that," Moritz added.

Sega and Paramount already have big plans for follow-ups to Sonic 2 including sequels and a spin-off series starring Idris Elba. One way or another, the "Sonic Cinematic Universe" will be moving ahead.

In the meantime, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 releases on April 8. You can read our review here, where we discuss how Carrey goes "even bigger as Robotnik continues to lose his marbles."

Kat Bailey is a Senior News Editor at IGN as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.

The Flash: Ezra Miller Arrest Prompts Emergency Meeting Over DCEU Future

After Ezra Miller was arrested for disorderly conduct and harassment, a new report says Warner Bros. held an emergency meeting to discuss pausing Miller’s future projects with the company.

According to Rolling Stone, Warner Bros. and DC executives held an emergency meeting on March 30 to discuss Miller’s future with the studio. While a decision doesn’t appear to have been formalized, one source says the consensus is to “hit pause on any future projects involving Miller including possible appearances in the DC Cinematic Universe.”

Miller is set to reprise their role as Barry Allen in The Flash, which is set to be released on June 23, 2023. This film will co-star fellow Snyder-verse alumn Ben Affleck as Batman, as well as Michael Keaton, who will return as his version of Batman, and Sasha Calle as Supergirl.

The Flash was stuck in development hell for years and went through multiple directors before tapping It director Andy Muschietti to helm the feature. Filming was completed on October 18 and The Flash was originally set to premiere in November 2022 before being delayed to June 23, 2023.

According to reports, Miller became agitated while at a karaoke bar and grabbed the microphone from a woman singing, and reportedly lunged at another man playing darts. The couple later filed a restraining order against Miller.

Miller has starred in both blockbuster movies and indie dramas, but the recent arrest was not their first outburst. In 2020 a video showing Miller apparently choking a woman at an Iceland bar began circulating online, though no arrests were made.

Miller’s future at WB, especially as part of the DC Cinematic Universe is being discussed during a strange time for the company.

The Flash has drummed up a lot of excitement with its cast. However, the DCEU is in a strange place as WB appears to be releasing connected films like The Flash and Aquaman 2 alongside standalone films like The Batman.

As of now, The Flash is still on track for its 2023 release date and there’s no news yet of a potential sequel. IGN has reached out to WB and Miller's representatives for comment.

Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor. You can reach him @lawoftd.

Dying Light 2: New Game Plus Coming This Month

Dying Light 2 is getting a New Game Plus mode later this month.

Techland announced on Twitter (below) that the third major patch for Dying Light 2 was on its way with a promise it would be one of the biggest yet.

The developer didn't give an exact release date for the update but said it would be available on all platforms by the end of April, meaning it's a few weeks away at most.

Several fixes for both the single and multiplayer portions of the game will be included alongside the New Game Plus mode but Techland didn't say if anything else would be included.

Patch three would have to be fairly sizable to compete with Dying Light 2's previous updates. Its launch day patch featured more than 1,000 fixes while later ones were tasked with fixing server and co-op problems.

Techland also has two major story expansions planned for the game, with lead game designer Tymon Smektała saying these will take place "sideways to the main events" instead of beyond the game's ending.

In our 7/10 review, IGN said: "Dying Light 2 Stay Human is an ambitious zombie action adventure that's packed with top-notch parkour, an awesome open world, and every painful bug in the book."

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer who occasionally remembers to tweet @thelastdinsdale. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.