It has been a massive week for Warcraft fans, who have patiently waited for more images and a trailer from the upcoming epic fantasy film based on the phenomenally popular game World of Warcraft since San Diego Comic-Con when we saw the first official character art.
Earlier this week, Legendary revealed a new poster for the film, directed by Duncan Jones (Moon) and starring Australia’s Travis Fimmel (Vikings) along with an announcement that the trailer would premiere at BlizzCon 2015. The new poster represented both the Horde and the Alliance, featuring Durotan, played by Toby Kebbell, and Lothar, who is portrayed by Fimmel, both sporting a splash of bold paint.
The poster was followed by a 15 second teaser trailer on Wednesday, sending fans into a frenzy. Even Duncan Jones got in on the conversation on twitter, answering fan questions, asking his own, even posting some funny fan-made images sent his way. In the teaser we saw Lothar flying on his Gryphon, the cathedral at Stormwind, elves, Durotan and Orgrim. Fans of the game appeared pleased with the attention to detail in the teaser, and especially with the ending that saw the bringing down of the hammer.
Then there were two more detailed character posters released, one of Durotan and one of Lothar.
Shortly after 6am Australian time today, we saw the world premiere of the official trailer during the BlizzCon opening ceremony at the Anaheim Convention Center. Director Duncan Jones came onto the stage, clearly nervous despite the thunderous applause and cheers from the crowd. Jones admitted he was a nervous wreck, but evidently thrilled to “finally” be able to show the world the trailer for the movie. Joining Jones on the stage for the trailer’s premiere were cast members Toby Kebbell (Durotan), Ben Foster (Medivh), Dominic Cooper (King Llane), Clancy Brown (Blackhand), Daniel Wu (Gul’Dan) and Paula Patton who portrays Garona. “I’ve been a fan of Warcraft for 20 years,” Jones said, “I really hope you enjoy this.”
The trailer begins with images of Lothar: “For years our world has been at peace, but something is coming. I can feel it. Dark forces are upon us,” he says. There’s a good mix of imagery of both orcs and humans in the trailer, Jones has reiterated that the movie will be sympathetic to the Horde, as opposed to the original screenplay that focussed more on the Alliance.
We also see Orgrim and the doomhammer, King Llane, an adorable orc baby (Thrall), Lothar speaking to an imprisoned Garona and a meeting between Lothar and Durotan. There are lots of what are sure to be epic battle scenes between the Horde and the Alliance.
The imagery is also fantastic and lovers of fantasy, whether they have played World of Warcraft or not, will certainly love the stunning visuals showcased in the trailer.
Warcraft will open in the U.S. on June 10, 2016 and in Australia on June 16.
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