Just in case you thought the current wave of ‘80s nostalgia was in any danger of breaking, it now appears that Pac-Man is getting its own live-action feature. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the classic arcade game from Bandai Namco Entertainment, known for Galaga and Tekken in addition to Pac-Man, has a feature film in the works with Wayfarer Studios.
The game — which follows the perpetually hungry, perpetually maze-running Pac-Man as he gobbles pellets and turns his colourful enemies into ghosts — could easily be a horror film or an action film. But we’re guessing it’s probably a comedy as this project is based on an original idea from Lightbeam Entertainment’s Chuck Williams (Sonic the Hedgehog). As THR reminds us, the original game, released in 1980, became a pop-culture sensation, spawning “merchandise, several sequel games like Ms. Pac-Man, as well as two television series, including a Hanna-Barbera produced ABC series and a Disney XD take,” not to mention at least one hit song inspired by the game.
What are your thoughts on a live-action Pac-Man movie — other than you’re surprised it took this long for one to claw its way to the top of the “inevitable adaptation” pile? Share in the comments!
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Editor’s Note: Release dates within this article are based in the U.S., but will be updated with local Australian dates as soon as we know more.