The Los Angeles Times reports that, after months of on-again, off-again rumors about the game-to-film, the film’s prospects have never looked worse. The paper claims New Line Cinema “has now cut the budget, going from a film that would have cost more than $100 million to one that will cost a good chunk less than that. It’s also reined in the story, turning it into a more simple, straight-ahead invasion story instead of a sprawling epic. Producers are looking for a new writer to handle all this, but haven’t found one yet.”

Holy crap! They’re making a Gears of War movie?

Yep. In March 2007 it was announced that New Line Cinema had purchased the rights to take Gears of War to the big screen. Legendary Pictures will co-finance and co-produce the film.

How will the film fit in with the Gears of War games?

The Gears of War film will reportedly be a prequel to the games, meaning we may see parts of the Pendulum Wars or Emergence Day itself – past events which are referenced in the games but which haven’t been fully explored yet. Screenwriter Chris Morgan hinted that the Gears movie could delve further into the history of Sera, revealing amongst other things how Marcus Fenix got his scar.

Who’s working on the Gears movie?

The Gears of War film is being made by New Line Cinema and Legendary Pictures. Len Wiseman will direct the movie, written by Stuart Beattie, Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey (who is also onboard as a producer). Screenwriter Chris Morgan will be doing script rewrites.

Who will play Marcus Fenix?

No-one has been officially signed to play Gears main character Marcus Fenix, however screenwriter Chris Morgan has suggested that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson could be an ideal choice for the starring role.

What is Epic’s involvement in the film?

Epic Games maintains close contact with the Gears movie team. Gears of War design director Cliff Bleszinski is involved with the film as an executive producer.

When will it be released?

Originally the Gears of War film was planned for a 2009 release, however given its current stage of development a 2010 or later box office release is more likely.

Keep watching Gears of War Addicts over the coming months for more Gears of War movie developments as they happen.