Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novel ‘Metro 2033’ has grown into a world of its own since it was released in 2002. From growing into a trilogy by Glukhovsky to having 100’s of supporting novels penned by other authors to the 2010 video game released by THQ – it has captured the imaginations of fans across the globe. To better put things in perspective, the original novel has also been translated into 40 languages with over five million copies sold.
For those unfamiliar with ‘Metro 2033’, here’s the synopsis:
Set in the shattered subway of a post-apocalyptic Moscow, Metro 2033 is a story of intensive underground survival where the fate of mankind rests in your hands.
In 2013 the world was devastated by an apocalyptic event, annihilating almost all mankind and turning the earth’s surface into a poisonous wasteland. A handful of survivors took refuge in the depths of the Moscow underground, and human civilization entered a new Dark Age.
The year is 2033. An entire generation has been born and raised underground, and their besieged Metro Station-Cities struggle for survival, with each other, and the mutant horrors that await outside.
Artyom was born in the last days before the fire. Having never ventured beyond his Metro Station-City limits, one fateful event sparks a desperate mission to the heart of the Metro system, to warn the remnants of mankind of a terrible impending threat. His journey takes him from the forgotten catacombs beneath the subway to the desolate wastelands above, where his actions will determine the fate of mankind.
Now, after MGM gave up on making the film last year and thanks to the right pitch by Russia’s Gazprom Media, the book will be developed into a live-action movie as well. While the deal has just been announced, it has clearly been in the works for quite some time as filming is slated for next year with an initial release being eyed for January 1st, 2022. No word yet as to a director, cast, or if it will also have an English version.
RELATED: After Six Years, MGM Abandons Plans For A ‘Metro 2033’ Movie Adaptation
According to Glukhovsky:
“’Metro 2033’ is my first novel. It played a very special role in my life, and, despite getting numerous offers to [adapt it for the screen], I turned them all down for over 10 years.
In Russia, I didn’t see any producers who could make a good [screen adaptation of] this book. It just seemed impossible. But now I finally met a team that I can entrust ‘Metro’ with. Our ambitions turned out to be similar: to create a world-class blockbuster and stun even those who have read the trilogy and know it by heart. So as not to disappoint them, I am ready to become a creative producer of the movie and help create it with both my advice and action.”
One of the film’s producers, Valery Fedorovich, stated that:
“The book by this Russian author has become known throughout the world, and it is embedded in the cultural code of sci-fi fans and gamers all over the planet. For us and Gazprom Media Holding, this is a dream project, the most ambitious and large-scale film that we have ever launched. We intend to invest an unprecedented sum … in the production and promotion of this movie both in Russia and abroad.”
This is an exciting prospect as both the novels and video games have been so well received across the globe. This has the potential to be not only a blockbuster within Russia but capture a broad global audience as well.
Are you looking forward to ‘Metro 2033’ getting a cinematic treatment? How do you think the movie will do internationally? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: Variety
