Duncan Jones, known for directing sci-fi hits like Moon and Source Code, as well as the ambitious Warcraft, has long been working on bringing the comic Rogue Trooper to the screen. The adaptation, set to be an animated feature making use of Unreal Engine 5, has been in development for some time, and now, details about the cast have finally emerged.
Rogue Trooper originated from the pages of the British comic magazine 2000 AD, created by Gerry Finley-Day and Dave Gibbons in 1981. It follows the journey of a “Genetic Infantryman” named Rogue and his companions, whose minds are uploaded into his equipment, as they seek vengeance against the Traitor General. The setting is a war-torn planet, Nu-Earth, divided between the fascist Norts and the democratic Southers, drawing parallels to historical conflicts like the American Civil War and World Wars. The animated adaptation promises to delve into the story of 19, the last surviving Genetic Infantryman, on a quest to uncover the traitor who betrayed his unit.
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The main cast includes Aneurin Barnard, Hayley Atwell, and Jack Lowden in prominent roles. Barnard, known for his roles in The Goldfinch and Dunkirk, takes on the titular role of Rogue Trooper. Atwell, known for her work in Marvel Studios productions like the Captain America movies, joins as part of the cast, alongside Lowden, whose credits include Slow Horses and Dunkirk.
Duncan Jones has also enlisted a talented ensemble featuring Daryl McCormack, Reece Shearsmith, Jemaine Clement, Matt Berry, Diane Morgan, Alice Lowe, Asa Butterfield, and Sean Bean. The film aims to capture the essence of the original comic series, known for its political commentary and gritty action.
Rogue Trooper hails from the same comic universe as Judge Dredd, showcasing a different facet of the 2000 AD franchise. Duncan Jones expressed his excitement about delving into this unique world, emphasizing the blend of political intrigue and dark humor characteristic of 2000 AD’s storytelling.
The production, backed by Rebellion and Liberty Films, has completed principal photography at Rebellion Film Studios in the U.K. Notably, the film utilizes Epic’s cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5 for its 3D animation. Treehouse Digital, collaborating with Duncan Jones, is tasked with bringing the world of Rogue Trooper to life using Unreal Engine 5.
Duncan Jones highlighted the significance of working with the 2000 AD material, describing it as politically charged yet infused with humor. He sees Rogue Trooper as an opportunity to showcase another side of the comic’s rich universe. Producer Stuart Fenegan praised the advancements in technology, particularly Unreal Engine 5 and MetaHuman rigs, which enable high-quality animation on an indie budget.
With production well underway and the use of cutting-edge technology, Rogue Trooper aims to captivate audiences with its immersive storytelling and stunning visuals, promising a fresh take on the beloved comic series.
This is a movie i have been looking forward to for a while.