The Monster Hunter franchise has been a titan within the gaming industry for many years and, according to the director of the upcoming movie adaptation, he has spent a good chunk of that time trying to bring it to the silver screen.
Speaking to Michael Crutchfield (SDShepard) during an exclusive chat on Capcom USA's Twitch, director Paul W.S. Anderson explained that his movie has been a long-time goal of his. In detailing the history behind his journey, Anderson stated, "I actively started pursuing Capcom with the idea of turning it into a movie 11 years ago. So, it's really been a decade-long quest for me."
The confession came after Crutchfield inquired into Milla Jovovich's — who stars in the film and is married to Anderson — reported love for the games. According to Anderson, he is partially responsible for her developing a passion for them, which subsequently led to her desire to be in the movie. He stated that "She's known about the game for a long time because I've been involved in the world of Monster Hunter for 12 years now. That's how long ago I played the game."
The game Jovovich became invested in is the most recent entry in the series from Capcom, Monster Hunter: World, released in 2018. Based on when Anderson claims to have first become invested in the games, the most recent entry at the time would have been Monster Hunter 2: Freedom (2007), a Playstation Portable version of the first game's sequel. His love for the series was further demonstrated when Crutchfield asked which weapons he would use if he were to cameo in the movie. Anderson responded, "I love the heavy bowgun, that's more my style."
This prompted Anderson to further explain why the world of Monster Hunter had captivated his interest for so long. Referring back to the heavy bowgun, he remarked, "I was always fascinated in Monster Hunter about the technology in the world. On one hand its almost a dark ages world where people have swords and shield. But then it also has hints of a more advanced technology."
Written, directed and produced by Paul W.S. Anderson, Monster Hunter stars Milla Jovovich, Ron Perlman, TI, Tony Jaa, Meagan Good and Diego Boneta. The film arrives in theaters on Dec. 4 in the United Kingdom and on Dec. 18 in the United States.
Source: Twitch