Prepare to mourn the golden years of Uwe Boll. Say what you will about the German scourge of video game IP, at least he wasn’t under the impression that cartoon birds shooting out of a catapult make for compelling storytelling, or an entire narrative universe for that matter.
The Vision Behind Angry Birds
“How I see our whole brand, our whole Angry Birds franchise – I definitely see the film potential as a long-term commitment,” according to Rovio VP of franchise development Ville Heijari. “Not just the one-off flick that happened, but to really flesh out the world, build the characters, make it really engaging.” Believe it or not, that’s not even the most depressing quote. “We really genuinely have a lot of storytelling opportunities there. It’s not all about birds slingshotting themselves! Ha! There’s a lot of stuff going around the characters,” he went on. PT Barnum-esque antics aside, a potential movie would see the light of day in 2014 the earliest and there’s also an animation series in the works.
The idea of expanding a simple mobile game into a full-fledged narrative universe might seem far-fetched, but Rovio’s ambitions are not without precedent. The success of franchises like “Ice Age” and “Despicable Me” has shown that animated films can indeed build rich, engaging worlds that captivate audiences of all ages. Rovio aims to follow in these footsteps, leveraging the popularity of Angry Birds to create a multi-faceted entertainment empire.
Expanding the Angry Birds Universe
The Angry Birds franchise has already seen significant expansion beyond its original mobile game roots. There are numerous spin-off games, merchandise, and even theme park attractions dedicated to these irate avians. The move towards film and television is a natural progression for a brand that has captured the imaginations of millions worldwide.
Ville Heijari’s comments suggest a deep commitment to developing the characters and stories within the Angry Birds universe. This means that fans can expect more than just the familiar gameplay mechanics of birds versus pigs. Instead, there will be a focus on character development, backstories, and intricate plotlines that add depth to the franchise.
For example, the Angry Birds movie released in 2016 introduced audiences to Red, Chuck, and Bomb, giving them personalities and motivations that went beyond their in-game actions. The film’s success demonstrated that there is indeed an appetite for more comprehensive storytelling within this universe. The planned animation series and potential future films will likely build on this foundation, exploring new adventures and challenges for the beloved characters.
Moreover, Rovio’s strategy aligns with a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where cross-media storytelling is becoming increasingly prevalent. By creating content that spans games, films, and television, Rovio can keep the Angry Birds brand fresh and engaging for its audience. This approach not only helps in retaining existing fans but also attracts new ones who may discover the franchise through different media.
In conclusion, while some may mourn the simpler days of Uwe Boll’s video game adaptations, Rovio’s ambitious plans for the Angry Birds franchise represent a bold new direction. By investing in character development and storytelling, Rovio aims to transform a popular mobile game into a lasting entertainment phenomenon. Whether or not they succeed remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world of Angry Birds is set to become much more than just birds slingshotting themselves at pigs.
Source Eurogamer
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