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‘Warcraft’ movie concept art, story details spill out of BlizzCon

warcraft movie concept art story details spill blizzcon
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Moon director Duncan Jones revealed new story details along with a handful of concept art from his in-production Warcraft movie during a BlizzCon 2013 panel (via Joystiq). The film is set in World of Warcraft‘s land of Azeroth, and tells an “origin story” of the age-old conflict between humans and orcs, focusing on the specific character arcs of Anduin Lothar for the humans and Durotan, father of Thrall, for the orcs. Jones was careful to point out that the story won’t necessarily paint the factions in hero vs. villain terms, with his goal instead to explore the good and bad behaviors on both sides of the conflict.

Jones pulled up short of confirming any casting details – there may well be nothing to report yet, as the movie isn’t out until late 2015 – but visual effects director Bill Westonhofer noted that the prop swords being assembled are the “biggest swords that a human can wield.” Presumably they’ll need some big hands to hold those big swords. Calling it now: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will occupy one of the two lead roles.

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Jones and company also showed off a bit of concept art. You can check out one image below; for another, head over to AICN. Expect to be hearing more about Warcraft soon. The movie hits theaters on December 18, 2015… though that may well change given that Star Wars: Episode VII is now pegged for release on the exact same day.

Warcraft concept art
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Adam Rosenberg
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Previously, Adam worked in the games press as a freelance writer and critic for a range of outlets, including Digital Trends…
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