No matter what developer Epics Games' original intentions were for Fortnite, which started life as a co-operative survival game before morphing into its current battle royale format, it's undeniable that the free-to-play multiplayer shooter has been tremendously influential in terms of cultural impact. Now, with the rumored launch of an entertainment division within Epic Games, Fortnite's influence may even spread to movies.
A report from The Information claims Epic is considering launching an entertainment division "focused on scripted video programming." The unnamed sources explained that the move is in response to ongoing litigation between Epic, Apple, and Google that has harmed the company's ability to expand on the mobile platform where most of its matches are played. Epic's heads appear to think that some market diversity is in order.
This diversity could take the form of a Fortnite movie, with the report claiming that just such a film has been discussed. Epic's recent acquisition of former LucasFilm employees, including Jason McGatlin (formerly VP of Physical Production at LucasFilm, now president of Special Projects at Epic), Lynn Bartsch (now Epic's head of Business Affairs) and Chris Furia (currently VP of Production Finance at Epic) would certainly prove useful if the company opted to green-light the film.
The main impediment to Epic creating and launching a Fortnite motion picture appears to be where to start. The game has several seasons worth of lore to draw on and has enough material for origin stories for its characters, ongoing series that bolster in-progress game events, or even crossover events in film, as well as in video game formats.
Epic Games and Fortnite are no strangers to motion picture partnerships. Several high-profile comic and film crossovers, from both DC and Marvel, have taken place on the platform. Fortnite also boasts the greatest number of concurrent players online thanks to its 2020 Travis Scott event that saw 12.3 million players attending at the same time. The scope is present for Epic to attempt something very ambitious, whether it tackles something within its own stable or with buy-in from one of its many partners.
At present, there is no solid information on when or even if a Fortnite film is forthcoming. But, if parent company Epic Games really is developing an entertainment-focused arm, the potential is there for original and derivative motion pictures, streaming series and other non-gaming content to turn up in short order.
Source: The Information via Eurogamer