Tribes 2 Movie in the Works

Hollywood insiders reported this week that a script based on Tribes 2 is being pitched to major studios in a bid to bring the popular computer game to the big screen. The studios, always ready to repackage one of their standard movie formulas, and yet wary because of the poor box office showing of other game-related movies such as Dungeons & Dragons and Wing Commander, are carefully examining the script and possible castings before making a decision.

As currently being pitched, the movie is a remake of the 1968 action thriller Ice Station Zebra, which starred Rock Hudson and Ernest Borgnine. The new version updates the cold war theme, replacing the US and Soviet Union with Blood Eagle and Diamond Sword tribes. Instead of trying to prevent an impending nuclear war, the two sides struggle with ownership of a remote base that could tip the balance of power in their flag war.

The script, tentatively titled Ice Station Katabatic, was written by the Coen brothers, known more for their offbeat comedies (Raising Arizona, Fargo, The Big Lebowski) than action movies. However, their first attempt with a suspense thriller reportedly captures the nail-biting essence of the original, while still managing to squeeze in some of the offbeat humor they are known for.

Since no studio has bought the movie rights yet, casting is still up in the air. Insiders report that some of the talent being approached for starring roles includes Freddie Prinze Jr., Leo DiCaprio, Brendan Fraser, Ryan Phillippe, Jeri Ryan, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Angelina Jolie. "Let's face it," said one source, "Tomb Raider only made it because Angelina is big, if you catch my drift."

Gamers familiar with Tribes 2, and with the previous game-based movie failures, are slowly warming to the idea of Ice Station Katabatic. "At least they're not trying to make a Tribes-based Saving Private Ryan," said one gamer we talked to. "A suspense thriller could be good, but I'll see it for sure if it has gratuitous nudity and sex!"