In case you forgot, yes, there is a movie based on the smartphone time-waster "Angry Birds" in the works. Given that we live in an era when "Play-Doh" is becoming a movie, this is not a surprise. What is surprising however, is how much money is being put into the production of "Angry Birds."
Cineuropa reveals that 3D CGI animated effort will have a budget of €75 million with another €100 million for marketing and distribution. Converted to US dollars, that’s $185 million bucks, and that’s a whole lotta cash for a movie about emotionally unstable avians. “You can accuse us of many things, but not of lack of courage,” said Pekka Rantala, the CEO of Rovio Entertainment who created the game and are producing the movie.
“The film is getting very positive reactions from major retail and licensing partners, as well as from consumer focus groups, which will have a positive impact on licensing in the coming years. We expect some major announcements of partnerships,” he continued, and that right there is why spending $185 million is probably not as crazy as you think. Before the movie arrives next year, you can probably expect everything and anything that can be branded with "Angry Birds" to hit store shelves, which will certainly help offset the investment being put into the movie. And it should be noted, there is already a TV series out there, "Angry Birds Toons," so this isn’t entirely unprecedented.
Featuring an all-star ensemble including Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Danny McBride, Bill Hader, Maya Rudolph, Peter Dinklage, Keegan-Michael Key, Kate McKinnon, Tony Hale, Ike Barinholtz, Hannibal Buress, Cristela Alonzo, Jillian Bell, Danielle Brooks, Grammy nominee and Latin music sensation Romeo Santos, and YouTube stars Smosh, "Angry Birds" arrives on May 20, 2016 via Sony. Will you be part of the flock checking it out?
