Netflix is continuing to bring video game adaptations to the masses, and their most recently announced adaptation is kicking it back old school. A live-action Dragon’s Lair is in the works, and they are in talks with Ryan Reynolds to star in and produce the film adaptation.
If the deal is finalized, Reynold’s company, Maximum Effect, will handle the production aspects. Still, the original creators, Don Bluth, Gary Goldman, and Jon Pomeroy, also plan to be involved with the adaptation.
Dragon’s Lair was super popular in arcades during its release in 1983 due to its use of laserdisc technology. It follows Dirk the Daring, a clumsy knight, and his attempt to rescue the sensual Princess Daphne from the evil dragon Singe. Hidden away in the castle of Mordoc the Wizard, Dirk must survive a series of quick-time events to rescue his lady love. If you’d like to see the game for yourself, Troy Baker and Nolan North have an entertaining play-through on Retro Replay.
Aside from its use of innovative technology, Dragon’s Lair is most noted for its animation style. Ex-Disney illustrators Don Bluth and Gary Goldman brought it to life, and it gave them a foot-up in the animation field. In a way, it paved the way for their future films: An American Tail, All Dogs Go to Heaven, The Land Before Time, and Anastasia.
This isn’t the first time Netflix has taken on adaptations of much-beloved video games. Their live-action adaptation of The Witcher was wildly successful, and their anime based on Castlevania was recently renewed for a fourth season. The streaming giant also has an adaptation of Resident Evil in the works.
Are you looking forward to the live-action adaptation of Dragon’s Lair? Are there other games you’re hoping that Netflix will later adopt? Let us know in the comments below, and keep coming back to The Nerd Stash for all of your nerdy news and needs!
