Ender’s Game producer drops some new info on the upcoming sci-fi adaptation

Last Updated on July 23, 2021

If you’re a fan of classic science-fiction, chances are you’re eagerly anticipating the upcoming movie adaptation of Orson Scott Card’s novel ENDER’S GAME – even if only to find out how well director Gavin Hood (X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE) managed to tackle the beloved source material. Recently the film’s producer, Roberto Orci, took to the interwebs and answered a couple of fan questions via the movie’s official blog, giving us an additional insight into its plot and tone. Here’s what the man had to say about…

…the script and the atmosphere on the set:

“Gavin’s script made me jealous, but it was also a relief that he had satisfied what I would want as a fan from a difficult adaptation. Also, I have never worked with so many talented young actors who became friends so fast under such amazing circumstances. Seeing Asa, who plays Ender, and Hailee, who plays Petra, floating high above the set and getting the giggles was amazing and frightening all at once. They laughed for like twenty minutes, which as a producer on a clock eager to finish your shooting day can give you a heart attack. But soon we all had the giggles, and the joy of it overcame the panic.”

…the visual influences for the film:

“One thing I can tell you is that Gavin Hood is a gigantic Stanley Kubrick fan, and it shows. And yet, in some of the Zero G battles, things are going on that Kubrick never had a chance to tackle. The technology and advancements in film making available to us allowed us to realize a vision that is totally unique and modern while also being, as Harrison Ford calls it, one of the most emotional science fiction movies he has ever seen.”

…the relationship between Graff (Harrison Ford) and Ender (Asa Butterfield):

“The relationship between Colonel Graff (Harrison Ford) and Ender (Asa Butterfield) is key to the movie’s success. Graff would love nothing more than to be Ender’s friend, yet Graff can’t always show it because he has to make it clear to Ender that in the event of another alien invasion, there will be no one available to help him. Their relationship is simultenously heartbreaking and fun.”

…whether the film will be aimed more towards kids or adults:

“Like the book, the movie Ender’s Game is about young protagonists dealing with one of the most adult situations known to man: WAR. We don’t soft peddle it, yet we don’t shy away from the fun of being in space and learning amazing new skills that we would all want to learn at any age.”

Sounds promising to say the least. Just to remind you, here’s the synopsis:

In the near future, a hostile alien race (Formics) have attacked Earth. If not for the legendary heroics of Commander Mazer Rackham (Ben Kingsley), all would have been lost. In preparation for the next attack, the highly esteemed Colonel Graff (Harrison Ford) and the International Fleet (IF) Military are training only the best young children to find the future Mazer. Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield), a shy, but strategically brilliant boy is pulled out of his school to join the elite. Ender easily masters increasingly difficult war games, distinguishing himself and winning respect amongst his peers at Battle School. Ordained by Graff as the IF’s next great hope, Ender is promoted to Command School. Once there, he’s trained by Rackham himself to lead his fellow soldiers into an epic battle that will determine the future of Earth and humankind.

ENDER’S GAME stars Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley, Asa Butterfield, Viola Davis, Hailee Steinfeld, Nonso Anozie Stevie Ray Dallimore, Andrea Powell (below) and Abigail Breslin. Filming is still underway. The movie is set for a November 1, 2013 release.