Caan, Duvall can't refuse offer from EA
All in the family
Feb 1, 2005
James Caan and Robert Duvall join 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.
Brando granted EA the rights to use his likeness and recorded voice-overs conducted by the developers before his death to virtually reprise his Academy Award-winning role as the titular Don Vito Corleone (HR 12/15). 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 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. It will allow gamers 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.
EA licensed the "Godfather" game from Viacom Consumer Products and continued to work closely with Paramount Pictures throughout the project. EA's license includes the rights for extending the franchise, similar to its deal with the "Harry Potter" property.
" 'The Godfather' is a crown jewel of Paramount Pictures," said Sandi Isaacs, vp interactive at Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products. "We are confident this game will deliver the depth of the experience expected by 'The Godfather' movie fans around the world."
Brando granted EA the rights to use his likeness and recorded voice-overs conducted by the developers before his death to virtually reprise his Academy Award-winning role as the titular Don Vito Corleone (HR 12/15). 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 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. It will allow gamers 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.
EA licensed the "Godfather" game from Viacom Consumer Products and continued to work closely with Paramount Pictures throughout the project. EA's license includes the rights for extending the franchise, similar to its deal with the "Harry Potter" property.
" 'The Godfather' is a crown jewel of Paramount Pictures," said Sandi Isaacs, vp interactive at Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products. "We are confident this game will deliver the depth of the experience expected by 'The Godfather' movie fans around the world."
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