Mass effect movie announced

Jeremy Jahns talks about Legendary Pictures producing a "Mass Effect" movie based off of the game. But in a world where video game movie are not....well....good. If this really a good thing?
See more videos by Jeremy Jahns here: / jeremyjahns

[@PEREZCHOOCH]

It's now January 2021 and I'm still waiting on this movie. I have played all Mass Effect games and DLC's, but still want to see a Mass Effect cinematic universe takeoff. I think the Mass Effect story goes deeper than Star Wars and has the potential to be greater. I just hope if this actually becomes a reality at some point that Hollywood doesn't mess it up.

[@diGriz21]

7 years

[@360Ben]

I'm here from the future, to ease your worries, it never happened.

[@dylanfix9118]

here's my thought for a mass effect movie, maybe it wouldn't have to revolve around shepard, and is made to be more like back story filler, which adds to the history of the game, instead of shepard being the main focus, what if they did Andersons story? they only talked a little about what he did, he was gunning to be the first human specter, so he would have had to be at the top of his game, like shepard, and the main villain who fucks everything up would be saren! and the story could be about the mission that went down that ruined Andersons chances at becoming a specter while it adds references to the mass effect game, like the construction of the Normandy, meeting future teammate who could help Anderson in the movie, and maybe at some point (maybe at the end) someone could hand Anderson a list of soldiers that are showing potential and he picks shepard or something? now, who would play Anderson? I would LOOOOOOVE to see Idris Elba play Andersons role...boom, I just gave the world a descent mass effect movie

[@Ronnet]

It's now 2022..and Jeremy you stopped talking this fast. Please take some red bull or alcohol or whatever you need and return to this. This is awesome and the reason I subscribed.

[@PressX4Jesus]

Wow! There's an idea, i think that a linear story wouldn't be bad, it would just be a challenge. And yes you could include romance and friendship in there, not just the loyalty missions. The story should make the movie great, because the story in mass effect is so great

[@joeywildman1100]

A prequel movie about the first contact war that actually does tie in with the games if they don't change the plot so it won't contradict with the trilogy of the game would work as fans would watch it and so would none fans who just want to watch a sci-fi movie

[@GraphiteBlimp27]

So excited if they do this right it will be a modern day Star Wars! They just need to do the "canon" Shepard. John, war hero, paragon, and romances Ashley. Easily relatable and still cool!

[@tmcgowan3]

Mass Effect would be a good movie BECAUSE there are great character depths, there are a lot of options for a plot, wether they choose to follow the games or just make a prelude on the First Contact war, etc. And besides, who says they have to fit the entire series into one movie? At least as long as they don't screw up the first one.... lol

[@ashz22]

I think it could happen if they make the fans have more of an envolvement like vote on what descions they want Shepard to make and decide if they want a male or female shepard.

[@daekrFINGERS]

if it has an epic budget and a bad ass director, it will be good. Hopefully they make it one of those like 3 1/2 hour long super movies out of it.

[@sirspamalot3]

I think the story itself stands out more then the character development, so if they focus on the storyline it could make a decent movie.

[@bucknerjackson13]

It wouldn't be hard to make a good video game movie if Hollywood would just do these three things. 1. Find a good, creative script 2. A director with vision and talent 3. Decent actors 4. Listen to the fans

[@NeroIML]

I think, maybe, the movie could be a good thing (really love the games) but that making it based on the story of the game would be av very difficult. Apart from cutting away major parts of the actual story the movie would also have to introduce the Mass Effect universe and how it works with galactic politics and different races interacting... Maybe a movie set in the Mass Effect univers but not a story based on the game?

[@narutoad123456789]

i think that the ME movie is a good idea cuz unlike most games mass effect has a really good base storyline

[@thatguyudontagrewith]

as long as it stars MARAUDER SHEILDS im down Never forget, he held the line and tried to protect us from the ending

[@alexanderkomar3039]

Its October 2023, still waiting... oh well

[@MadBunnyRabbit]

First of all main plot takes around 8h in each game, gameplay time is actualy more than cutsceens, so I would say that compresing, exact story of one ME game into 3h movie wouldnt be much of a problem if done right. Secound choices in ME dont realy affect the game that much, that is the concept of the game. No mather if you are 'evil' or 'good' what matters is the end result. Yeah it affects subplots, who lives or dies and how you go through the game but main story doesnt change.

[@JoshuaKaluba]

Aaaaand nothing

[@elise3455]

10 years and counting... :(

[@GeneSokolov]

I just hope they keep the main story and characters as it is, but my guess is they will probably rewrite it in some way, like they did with Prince of Persia and ruined it. No need to re invent the wheel, the story is already good, just adapt it as it is!

[@thrilla72]

The character model for Ashley Williams would make a better FemShep in my opinion. Anyone else agree? I think the default one doesn't look very athletic or strong.

[@n1ghther031]

What if the choices you made in the game affected the movie LOL Now that would truly be badass. Hoping they don't mess it up.

[@caleb12345ization]

If they were going to do a mass effect movie, I suggest they do one about how humanity first discovers eezo and have the first contact war with the turians. That could probably work; they could maybe even put a little Shepard easter egg at the end of the movie after the credits or something. It could work as long as they be very careful not to screw with the ME timeline.

[@120BE12T]

I think if they want to make movies out of the Mass Effect trilogy, it is very possible to include very important details/missions if they break the movies into parts. For example, I think they would have a better chance of telling the story of the first Mass Effect game if they turned it into a trilogy.

[@DragonJedi0]

An interactive TV show. Have each season lead up to a monumental decision for Sheppard during the season finale. Let the audience vote online what Sheppard should do. That keeps the spirit of the game alive.

[@TheVulcanphoenix1]

i think the movie Serenity is like one of the closest thing i could imagine 4 a mass effect movie with the effects and stuff

[@slipperywhenwet5]

On which console do you play Mass Effect? Also, the main problem is they are taking games with bad stories, if any story, and making them into movies because the games are popular. Mass Effect actually has a good story, same with BioShock. Also, about the "it won't work with a linear plot" thing, you should try to read the books sometime.

[@MrMrhellsing]

As long as the writters and creators of Mass Effect can help with the creation of the movie im all for it.And since there has been no sign of Uwe Boll these last years then im happy.

[@omnipotiscience7251]

They shouldn't make the movie based on Mass Effect trilogy because the thing that would piss off most players is obviously the romance interest and the decisions. Just like what others said, the First Contact War. The first time humans and aliens met.

[@JoshToTheSmyth]

first contact war would be unreal if done properly !

[@egbi243]

I would still watch a mass effect movie even if it was 9 hours long

[@True77]

I would love to see it as a 10 part series like band of brothers.. and Matthew Fox is selected to be in the movie- My guess is that he is Shepard, in which I would choose him to play that role. High hopes for this.. If Bungie can pull off those amazing halo reach shorts, I'm sure bioware can make this a great movie/trilogy if the right people are involved.

[@Marksman3434]

I love the Mass Effect games. The first game, while it had quite a few glitches and was technically unfinished, it still had an awesome story, GREAT characters and a lot of depth to the universe. I've still yet to play ME2, but that's going to change in a few weeks :) Anyway, the only way I think an ME movie could work is if they don't base it around the games' story arc with Shepard. There's tons of chapters they can choose from the ME timeline to make a good movie.

[@ShadowNuri]

Mass Effect is the most beautiful game I've ever played. A science fiction trilogy with a wonderful plot, colorful (not to mention memorable) characters, and kick ass fire fights. I'm a female shepard and I can honestly say that though I am nervous about a movie, I look forward to it. I think it's going to be an animated movie though, no real action. Animated tends to be better; like Dead Space: Downfall. Not horrible even though it's based on a game. Hope Garrus Vakarian plays big in the movie.

[@nosoyono1081]

Mass Effect movie if done right would be a Oscar wining movie. As for a seers I don’t think it do very good it needs to be on the big screen. I believe it would blow Star Wars totally away.

[@brannie276]

If this is done poorly, I may lose my previously unshakable faith in sci-fi movies

[@josephsteven9520]

I’m assuming it’s not gonna happen lol. Also would love a review for the legendary edition when you finish!

[@derekleegordon]

I agree with what you said. I also think that if they take the time needed and put the same care in the movie as they did with the games then we will all be in for a big treat. I love the Mass Effect series and look forward to the future games or movies.

[@TheAlmightyLoli]

@RejectedNOVA but with mass effect u choose what shepard does it would be hard to capture the feeling in a movie

[@MolotovSolution117]

I don't know how the plot could be for the movie because the 3rd game coming out in a few years will probably rap up the epic stuggle against the reapers. Maybe it will be about Shepard before the first game, and what happened to his unit on Akuze with the Thresher Maw (I haven't read any of the books though).

[@glitch_goblin]

for the most part, spot on, sir. felt the same way about rumors of TES:Skyrim movie. although, they could technically pull off a Mass Effect movie if they did it like the books - by totally avoiding Shepard or any of the game changing plot effects.

[@Jahooba]

Mass Effect. The story was really fun to watch unfold, but the thing that got me about that game was the art direction. I just wanted to BE IN that world. It's the only game where I've actually LOOKED FORWARD to who I'm going to talk to next, because the characters looked so phenomenal. In the second one you even have your own space to call your own, with a bed, a fish tank, and the awesomely-nerdy model spacecraft collection. I'm all for a movie as long as they get the STYLE down.

[@gofojibwas]

@LastThree804 Very good points. I they'd be able to pull off your idea pretty well, but i think they should take a hint from the books: Never mention shephard's first name or background, he/she must never be shown or described, etc.

[@Chico50445]

I usually agree with everything you say, and you have good reasons for your low expectations in the movie, but you make it sound like it's confirmed that the movie is Commander Shepard's story. The movie might be something like the first contact war between Humans and Turians, or the Krogans getting the Genophage.

[@MerryMarvelite]

I feel like if they did make a Mass Effect movie they'd be better off making an in continuity side story or prequel. First Contact War, anyone?

[@GraphiteBlimp27]

Who should be in the cast: Shepard: Mark Vanderloo if he can act, or Matthew Fox Joker: Seth Green Ashley: Kimberly Brooks is the only person I know... Ashley is pretty tan, maybe someone else Kaiden: I have no idea lol Alien Squadmates: CGI, voiced by the game actors Anderson: Kieth David, may not look the same but his voice is iconic

[@huntermcghee3440]

I feel like a mass effect movie taking place on Earth during the reaper invasion would be badass done right

[@MA77SP]

What is the best film transformed from a game? I believe Tomb Raider is the best so far.

[@Snkcc5]

I think they should do a Mass Effect movie where they have a huge poll for all the major choices in game. Like should Shepard be more Paragon or Renegade. In the movie they can cover all the main missions Feros, Noveria, Therum, Virmire and Ilos. Then they can have a tie in TV series with all the same actors made by HBO or something similar. As for converting a 1500 hundred page book into a 2 hour movie they did that with Les Miserables albeit it was closer to three hours. But I digress so I k

[@ryann45]

@Blaze777soldier i heard they where going to have the background story on the illusive man for the movie.

[@furyberserk]

How to make a ME movie: Full Paragon storyline, tell the movie with a monologue, when you meet a new character, explain their entire MAIN purpose ("Liara, the Asari daughter of Benezia, and a Prothean expert who could help translate my vision. Kind of a good accident if you ask me." My thoughts) Up to 5 action scenes. Eden Prime, Citadel, Ilos, Vermire and that place where you fight Benezia. Pros- Human, Asari, Turian costumes. Cons- Krogan, Salarian and Movie Script. Agree if best outcome. >_>'

[@jbode11]

I'm not too sure about this either , the great thing about the games is the gameplay and the story together , I think taking one component out for a movie won't work at all , but I will still see it as i am a massive fan of the games :)

[@InjusticeJosh]

And now apparently Henry Cavill is involved in a Mass Effect project.

[@hacheurdepoulet]

Duuude a "first contact war" film would be amazing! Charcaters would be different from the games, could be an amazing Action-Sci-Fi movie

[@VagueDustin]

But you also have to consider an alternate plot away from the game but in the same universe with the same characters, as the movies exclusive producers will be the three head guys from bioware.

[@Solarcoreg]

Hey, I really really liked Wing Commander. I had completely forgotten all about it but now that you showed it here, I remember it was pretty awesome. And I did play the game...

[@arthurfrostad]

as long as they go off of shepards career before he/she became a spector i dont think it would be to bad. after all, doing a movie based on shepards life as you got to choose it when u made your character in me1 would be great. IE the thresher maw attack that makes the sole survivor character history.

[@Evker0]

@aquapendulum Yes, I have seen Sunshine. One of my favorite Sci-Fi films. Certainly a good deal of it is possible but sadly you are wrong, most of it is not. We are in fact working towards many of the advancements in the film but we are still a few decades away from most of it being genuinely operational.

[@BigBadWolfFIN]

When I first heard about ME movie I was like "Oh, my God!!!" but you made some really good points there, dude. As you pointed, If they wont make the movie to a big f''''ing 20 hour long trilogy thingy, I don't think I would like that. Besides if they make this movie there must be Garrus, Liara and Tali at least and who's gonna play them if not the original voice actors -.- however ME game kicks ass. Played both 1 and 2 for like 20 times.

[@CrualBirab]

it would be interesting to see if done right, if all else fails do it as a CG movie and get some of the voice talent from the games

[@Disthron]

@JeremyJahns Well I like to call things like Star wars Science-Fantasy because they really just substitute tech for magic. Not that I think there is anything wrong with that mind you.

[@ChrisWebberN7]

@cbailey009 Garrus in a live action movie...IT SEEMS AWESOME IN MY MIND! And there should be a completely different movie involving Commander Jane Shepard for those like you. Also alternate endings to both would be cool...

[@ninjamonkey379]

I completely agree with you. I'm from edmonton (where bioware is located) and I love their games especially my Mass Effect. It's a wonderful game but I just think it's not something that there should be a movie made of... it just wouldn't work out... video games are just not meant to be movies.....

[@MasterofEternalNight]

And this is my Canon(because this is the one I like and play the most) Paragon, Male, Soldier(using mostly Sniper Rifles, Assault Rifles and Shotguns) , Wrex lives(he is my bro), Ashley dies, Tali Romanced(in my first playthrough it was Liara then Tali because 1. I wanted to romance her in the first game 2. (In Character) Liara wasn't the same person he fell in love with. In other playthrough no romance then Tali) and collecter base destroyed with everyone loyal and alive(if it goes into ME2)

[@trentger1]

I don't play many video games, but I was reccomended Mass Effect by a friend. In ME2 I finished it in less than a week on normal and nobody died. I still need to finish it on insanity. A movie will be a great idea, as long as you go into the theater and forget about all you learned and expected to see from the game. You have to watch it like you watch a regular movie, don't expect much and we could enjoy it as a movie, not a video game made into a movie.

[@DjHardJ]

@legendarytoyou agreed.... fallout new vegas was alright but I think they should make a movie around the Fallout 3 plot... NV seemed like an add-on

I can't really tell whether the movie is gonna suck or not. I'm not a big fan of video games, but you do make a good point that thinking the movie is gonna be good because I haven't played the video game is not good enough. I am not going to think the movie is gonna be great, and honestly I have no idea if it's gonna suck. There is a recent movie based on a video game that I fucking loved, and that's Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.

[@UT3MONTAGE]

I have only played mass effect 2 (because I have a ps3) so a ME movie would be something I would watch because lets face it, the 'interactive back-story' or whatever they called it that was in the PS3 ME2 only really explained a couple of key choices that were in the first game.

[@nightwishfan1991]

Could work if they try but not holding my breath but I wouldn't mind Sam Worthington as Shepard. If they get Tali and Garrus right for the first movie I'm good.

[@Southtexaspb]

The default face of Shepard was based of Mark Vanderloo. If they want someone to look like him, might as well use the guy the main character was based off of XD He was also in several spanish tv series, so he has at least SOME acting experience. As for Mr. Neveldine, I actually found Jonah Hex & Crank 1 to be pretty good (in my opinion). I never said for him to DIRECT it, just to play the role of Shepard. He would probably make a very good renegade Shepard :)

[@Sytherous]

After playing through Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2, I think they should make 2 Mass Effect movies; one for the Renegade Shepard and one for the Paragon Shepard. And yeah, they'd have to cut out a lot of stuff and stick to the game plot without and side quests or such, but I still think it could make a good movie if done right. You have to think of it as a separate entity from the game. Don't base the movie on the game, base it on other movies with similar story-lines.

[@Chico50445]

You make it sound like they confirmed it'd be the Commander Shepard, it could be good if they did it well and it was based off of something before Commander Shepard, like if it's about humans discovering mass relays for the first time, their first contact war with the Turians, or the Rachni Wars with the Salarians and the whole Genophage. The reaper's origins the whole Leviathan story maybe if it's pulled off well we would learn to like the god-child and all that, the Quarians and Geth story, hell it doesn't have just be about the species it could be about another individual character like Anderson, Aria etc. there are a lot of things this movie could pull off well in a 2-3 hour span it doesn't have to be the Commander Shepard story we have already seen in the video game trilogy, in fact it shouldn't be at all, that's one of the thousand or so reasons The Last Airbender failed as a movie, it could've been about many things like Firelord Ozai's back story but instead they decided to do an adaptation on the things we've already seen in the show, sure it would've still failed because Shyamalan has no idea what the fuck he's doing, but it could've had a better chance at succeeding as movie in general if it did that. I do agree movies based off of video games fail so much that it probably won't be good, but I'm just saying it has the potential to succeed if it goes for one of those routes I mentioned earlier, or a different route, something we've heard of in the game or something that ties in with that universe, not the Commander Shepard story directly from the video game trilogy.

[@OZORxORON]

They could make it work if they don't base it on Shepard, if they base it on a new commander and explains his story in the reaper threat I think it could stand a chance.

[@2cazz]

Never looked at it that way,I mean it's a great storyline but your rite.tanks 4 da vid!

[@095293003]

I do hate the idea, but if they do make a ME movie, then I hope that they make it a spin-off focused on someone other than Sheperd. If the movie doesn't affect Sheperd, then it could be a solid expansion to the ME universe, while still making the player's Sheperds still feel unique.

[@danobra]

They could make the series, though. It would be pretty interesting. And they'd have time to fit a good plot!

[@Segepop]

I kinda enjoyed the Prince of Persia film (don't flame yet!) maybe because I went in there with little to no expectations; but the visuals were pretty cool, the changes they made to the story I dunked them to "originality". I'm not going to talk about another film here but my point is they might make a trilogy (or already have plans? I don't keep up with cinema news) so... Mass Effect, if it won't suck, can be made longer to tell a complete story with sufficient character development. IMO

[@marvelfan64]

You are a very good movie reviewer, keep it up man. Did you like any of the Star Wars Prequel Films?

[@GoranArsic76]

Depends! In right hands (who said James Cameron?) it could be fantastic. I don't think that Bioware wants to ruin franchise with some kind of cheap SF movie. The story doesn't have to follow ME games, it can be only in that universe, for example: first Contact War, discovery of Citadel etc.

[@Amateurgamersedgie09]

Easy Mass Effect has a story so its really easy to put into a Ci-Fi Movie and to be honest when you play the game it self it feels like a movie anyway when I heard about this I was like what seriously would be so cool but I like to see how it would come up against all the movies that all ready out such like Avatar,Star-wars,Star-Trek would be interesting to see how it would compete with them

[@Crimsonlee2XX]

Dark matter was hinted with the Haestorm sun in Tali's recruitment mission and of her loyalty mission. Listen to what the quarians say about it, That was foreshadowing for something. But nope the sun was just having issue's and we decided not to drell on it in ME3. There are also subtle hints here and there and why the reapers put the Collectors to work to secretly build a human reaper to deal with the dark matter threat. And when it failed they bumrushed earth to make another one or more.

[@SupKash]

Haha imagine being Jeremy's son J: "Hey son, come here" Me: "Dad, I have to do my homework right now!" J: "Go play Mass Effect, son!" Epic :D

[@ZhuriSeraura]

I know they are coming out with a Halo "movie" called Forward Unto Dawn and it actually looks pretty decent. Granted it's not actually a movie but more like a insanely well made web-series. I think it has 4 or 5 parts, each averaging around 50 minutes. Maybe if the Mass Effect movie worked like that it could be ok. But it doesn't sound like it. So i would approach with caution.

[@NegativeZer0Studios]

the Mass Effect movie will have a panel at Comic Con this year, it was just announced a few hours ago

[@Champangeflaska]

@Str8Murder the thing about Mass Effect is that it's about your own choises but it's not possible to make a movie that is based on your game experience, it will be a hole other story and they will never be abel to make it as epic as the game

[@hippiebrother3]

Mass Effect is very similar to Star Trek in formula, but unique enough to be it's own. Which is why it would make a an absolutely great TV series. Movie? Not enough time to tell all the stories. It really isn't.

[@hippiebrother3]

True. The whole Reaper thing was a bit different. But the emphasis on characters and decisions is in both. That's what really reminded me of Star Trek when I played Mass Effect.

[@Ragnarock1985]

No studio/network will ever touch Mass Effect if they plan to make it worthy of the games. The budget would be astronomical and the audience kindof niche.

[@trombone101]

Hey Jeremy this is just my opinion, but wouldn't you think that if they do pull this movie off, they should do kind of an origins thing. Because there is a lot of stuff they elude to in the first mass effect game, like that mission that saren and Captain Anderson went on and all that stuff. i just think that you're right about it being a bad idea to make a game with all these decisions into a movie.

[@DKRaFiQ]

its gona be quite tricky. coz of all the decision making and other side missions. but maybe they can concentrate on a new goal or something .. or if they wana follow the game's storyline, the movie doesnt need to follow EVERY aspect of the game. just the main storyline and make it interesting. if they manage to make one movie, they can of course make another, right? they could also make the movie with an entirely different storyline but using the game's characters. it still will be interesting.

[@SwCreators]

There are also a lot of crappy movies not based off of anything. I would like to see them try this and hope for the best. I just want my Wrex size popcorn container. Also, I'm interested, I mean someone said it would be based off the first game so I'm curious to see where the romance lies. I'm sure they will add that in if this is true.

[@Crimsonlee2XX]

Yeah, saving organics from their own synthetics creations was really hard for us to comprehend as Sovereign seems to have vaguely stated. I mean c'mon! :/ Bioware couldn't come up with something better? Oh yeah wait they scrapped in ME3. Quarian-geth issue just seemed to be a separate thing aside from dealing with the reaper threat. ME3 was a cope out derailment from central theme from the last 2 titles which was just stopping the reapers not fixing the issue of man&machine.

[@KamTheSage]

I doubt it'll be about Shepherd. If you look at the comics and novels based around the Mass Effect universe, they tell stories about characters either mentioned in the games, or original ones altogether. They should do that for the movie. Make it about the first Reaper invasion of Earth and the last surving resistant fighters holed up in LA or something. Just don't shape it around Shepherd, that's what the games are for.

[@lynnsieislovely]

I'm a huge Mass Effect fan. And being a girl, my shep is also female. Of course it would never happen, but I wish Shep could be a Femshep in the movie. /: I'd still watch it though.

[@endplanets]

The only way that a ME movie could work is if the broke the first game's story into 2 or 3 movies. Making it a triple sequels, or a triple trilogy (like what star wars is suppost to be.) And that is after gutting out the sidequest. But Mass Effect does have the story and characters to work if done well.

[@denzeldenzel123]

Patrick Dempsey could play Illusive Man (He played the rich guy that joined the Decepticons in Transformers Dark Moon.)

[@ranter121]

i loved both mass effect games and have completed them numerous times, although the movie may turn out well (might be quite unlikely) it will be almost impossible to give it the same feel of either games and be anywhere near as good as either games, still the movie might turn out to be entertaining, just think of it as a completely different mass effect with no relation to the games..

[@Bam5000000]

that's why it be better off as a TV series like battlestar galactica,take its time with the story and have episodes that centered around the loyalty missions so viewers can grow to love the characters much how players grow to love em in the game p.s. Seth Green better play joker or I'm grabbing my pitch fork.

[@WillyM79]

I love the Choose Your Own Adventure books

[@joabsmith5733]

True u cant fit hours on hours of gameplay into a 2-3 hour film a tv series would be better but still the most important thing foe me about mass effect is choices that wouldn't be included

[@joshdirk4781]

if they made a prequel to the game itd turn out dope for example the end of the protheins falling to the reapers mabey even show them scattering their relics around the galaxy base it not off the shepard story but the ancients I see this idea becoming a great movie shit let me write the script

[@UssenterprizeDv2]

They could make any of the Novels into a movie. Revelations with Saren was awesome.

[@RaycatWhoDat]

I have not played Mass Effect but, judging by how you describe gameplay, it sounds like what would happen if they made a Heavy Rain movie. The ONLY way Legendary Pictures could make this movie barely work is for it to go straight to DVD and use some of the DVD menu functionality to simulate the choices.