Last month, it was reported that Sony and Ubisoft will soon sign an Assassin's Creed movie deal. From the sound of it, this is no normal movie deal.
Ubisoft apparently has control over everything, from the budget to the script to the actors to even the release date. According to one studio exec, Ubisoft even wants the ability to "pull the plug" on the project should it decide to.
"As a director, even Steven Spielberg cannot get this kind of deal," an insider told Vulture. It's Ubisoft's far-reaching control over the project that ultimately might mean it never gets made.
Spielberg, above, is of course not currently attached to this project, but, as one of the most powerful Hollywood players, mentioned to illustrate how rare Ubisoft's deal apparently is.
Supposedly, Ubisoft is ponying up the majority of the film's development, and this could by why it's pushing for so much control.
Insiders told Vulture that Ubisoft felt as thought Prince of Persia wasn't as good as it could have been because the game maker didn't have enough control over the project. However, Disney insiders said that Ubisoft had too much control over the picture.
Asked one studio exec, "It begs the question, if they're so afraid of what will happen to their franchises, why make a movie at all?"
Money, that's why. Money.
Kotaku is following up with Ubisoft and will update this post should the company comment.
Why a Killer Deal to Turn a Hit Video [Vulture]
(Top photo: Diane Bondareff | AP)