Actor Justice Smith says that the new Dungeons & Dragons movie is going to be action-packed, thrilling, and funny. Based on the tabletop fantasy RPG game created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, Dungeons & Dragons is a staple of the tabletop gaming world and has spawned cartoons, movies, toys, and more ever since it debuted in 1974. An animated series ran for three seasons from 1983-1985 and the first live-action film was released in 2000. The film starred Jeremy Irons, Marlon Wayans, and Thora Birch and was a massive flop, grossing $33 million worldwide from a $45 million budget.
The new adaptation is written and directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, who previously made Vacation and Game Night. Joining Justice Smith in the film is Chris Pine, who was paid $11 million for the role, as well as Michelle Rodriguez, Sophia Lillis, Hugh Grant, and Regé-Jean Page. Dungeons & Dragons recently wrapped production and is slated for release on March 23, 2023, and despite some set picture peeks of Pine and Rodriguez in costume, little is known about the actual story for the film or what kind of tone it will take.
However, talking to Collider, actor Justice Smith has nothing but positive feelings about the new adaptation, despite being very careful not to reveal any spoilers for the film. Smith says that working with the filmmakers was “incredible” and that the film was guided with a clear vision. In addition, the actor talked up the story and said that it’s “action-packed, thrilling, and funny as hell,” which may not reveal the plot, but does provide some insight into what audiences should expect. Here’s his full quote:
[Goldstein and Daley are] incredible. They’re so funny and they have such clear vision. I loved Game Night. That movie is so good and so funny. And it’s such a clear, specific story. It doesn’t try and be anything that it’s not. I think they approached this the same way. I can’t spoil too much but it’s action-packed, thrilling, funny as hell… it’s all of the things and yet it has a clear idea. That specificity is key in storytelling and John and Jonathan do that so well, being like, “This is the story we’re telling but they’re making it enjoyable the entire time.” This is me not trying to spoil the movie in any regards. I’ve given away no details.
Smith has been making the rounds of late in Hollywood, having recently starred in recent hits like Pokemon Detective Pikachu and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, as well as the Generation series on HBO Max. Smith will reprise his Jurassic World role in Jurassic World: Dominion and stars in the Amazon Original movie Voyeurs, releasing September 10th. The actor is next set to being production on the con-artist film Sharper with Sebastian Stan and Julianne Moore.
For those that have played Dungeons & Dragons as a tabletop game, the new movie may not have much consequence, as it’s a very difficult experience to emulate onscreen. Non-fans may be more receptive, especially if this new take is able to capture the magic to some degree, while offering a fresh, inviting take. With so many different directions the film could take in style and tone, it’s impossible to predict what Dungeons & Dragons will actually be, but with a strong cast and some inspired filmmakers guiding it, there’s definitely hope that Smith’s comments could be right on and that the film will be something to be excited for. Until a trailer is released, however, the hype is a roll of the dice.
Source: Collider
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