Universal has released the first teaser trailer for Peter Jackson‘s new project, ‘Mortal Engines’. Although you might think otherwise from the way that the trailer presents the film, Jackson does not direct. Instead, the ‘Lord of the Rings‘ helmer serves as writer and producer for the upcoming fantasy epic, while Christian Rivers sits in the director’s chair for his first feature outing. Rivers has had a long working relationship with Jackson, as Rivers worked as a 2nd unit director and special effects artist on the ‘LOTR’ trilogy.
From the book of the same name, written by Philip Reeve, the story takes place in a futuristic wasteland where giant, mobilized cities constantly roam the globe. Although the trailer doesn’t give us much by way of story (it’s a teaser after all), this world does seem like a fun sandbox to play in from the onset. I’m certainly intrigued, but I’m not entirely sure how strong the story will be, given the effects-heavy nature of the story.
The film was written by Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens. ‘Mortal Engines‘ stars Hera Hilmar, Robert Sheehan, Jihae, Leila George, Ronan Raftery, Colin Salmon, Patrick Malahide, Regé-Jean Page, Stephen Lang and Hugo Weaving, and is set for a December 14, 2018 release date.
Here’s the official Teaser Trailer and synopsis for ‘Mortal Engines‘:
Thousands of years after civilization was destroyed by a cataclysmic event, humankind has adapted and a new way of living has evolved. Gigantic moving cities now roam the Earth, ruthlessly preying upon smaller traction towns. Tom Natsworthy (Robert Sheehan)—who hails from a Lower Tier of the great traction city of London—finds himself fighting for his own survival after he encounters the dangerous fugitive Hester Shaw (Hera Hilmar). Two opposites, whose paths should never have crossed, forge an unlikely alliance that is destined to change the course of the future.
Mortal Engines is the startling, new epic adventure directed by Oscar®-winning visual-effects artist Christian Rivers (King Kong). Joining Rivers are The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies three-time Academy Award®-winning filmmakers Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, who have penned the screenplay. The Universal and MRC adaptation is from the award-winning book series by Philip Reeve, published in 2001 by Scholastic.
On board as producers are Zane Weiner (The Hobbit trilogy), Amanda Walker (The Hobbit trilogy) and Deborah Forte (Goosebumps), as well as Walsh and Jackson. Ken Kamins (The Hobbit trilogy) joins Boyens as executive producer. Universal will distribute the film worldwide.
Image via Universal
The post ‘Mortal Engines’ Teaser Trailer Debuts Peter Jackson’s Fantasy Epic appeared first on Age of The Nerd.