Posted on 02/01/2005 2:15:09 PM PST by StoneColdGOP
LOS ANGELES - James Caan and Robert Duvall have joined the late Marlon Brando in providing voice acting and likenesses for Electronic Arts' "The Godfather" video game.
Caan and Duvall, who reprise their respective roles as Sonny Corleone and consigliere Tom Hagen from the film, also were involved in the development of the game and are scheduled to attend its premiere unveiling of the game in New York's Little Italy on Feb. 10.
The video game, which draws inspiration from both Mario Puzo's book and Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 movie, is scheduled for release in the fall.
Before his death last July, Brando granted EA the rights to use his likeness, and he recorded voice-overs that virtually reprised his Academy Award-winning role as the titular Don Vito Corleone. EA also secured the rights to the Grammy-winning music Nino Rota composed for the movie and its soundtrack.
"Authenticity is the key," said David DeMartini, executive producer for the high-profile game title. "James Caan and Robert Duvall were there when the original 'Godfather' movie was filmed, and there is no substitute for that. Along with Marlon Brando, they are some of the most respected actors in Hollywood and bring tremendous star power to 'The Godfather' game."
The game will allow players to create their own mob character and work their way up the criminal chain from petty theft to drive-bys and extortion to control of the Corleone family in a virtual New York spanning 1945-55.
Players will use their powers of loyalty and fear to earn respect through interactions with characters in the world, where intimidation and negotiation are key to success. Decisions made by the player in the game will have lasting consequences, just as it was in the mob underworld featured in "The Godfather" fiction.
"'The Godfather' movies raised the standard for cinematic achievement with their high level of drama and intense storytelling, and in fall 2005 gamers will be able to experience that dangerous ... world of 'The Godfather' for themselves," said DeMartini, who is overseeing development of the game at EA's Redwood Shores, Calif., studio.
I'm waiting for 'Drivin' Miss Daisy: Grand Theft Auto VIII."
They wouldn't have been able to record very good voice-overs after his death last July, would they?
I'm smart! Not dumb, like everyone says!
I saw the ad for that when I bought the action figures.
Anyone remember the spoof of "DMD" on Saturday Night Live where the driver gets too tired of Miss Daisy's guff and tells her so right before he does a tuck and roll out of the car while it's still moving?
Now THAT is funny!
I thought Sonny/Caan got whacked about half way through the picture. Is that part of the video game? I was watching a recent episode of Vegas with Caan and he asks the security guys which is the best guy picture and they immediately say Godfather without question. In jokes can be fun.
Yeah,I do....
I hope EA does this movie justice. Lately, that company has turned been churning alot of soulless cash-ins.
Of coarse for Michael, they'll just hire a different actor since Pachino's voice is so far gone.
"Just when I thought that I was out they pull me back in."
Had I not gone the MBA route, you would be describing Clemenza.
Had an EyeTie grandfather that could have been in the movie.
As far as a video game, don't think it would be much fun.
Whadya gonna do? Go to the mattresses, sit around makin' meatballs and pasta, waitin' for the war to start?
I was a big fan of ESPN NFL 2K5, so it annoyed me when EA monopolized that market. Goldeneye: Rogue Agent was also a disappointment in that seemed to cash in on a great license.
EA is capable of real innovation (ex: Fight Night). I hope they choose creating better products over freezing out the competition.
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