Mon, June 18

Hocus Pocus. Diablo was unlisted magically from the “In Development” section.  I tell you. It is the lesser evils playing tricks with our minds. Where is Deckard Cain when you need him to reaveal the undecipherable.

Sun, June 17

Few weeks ago, a rumor circulated the net that Gary Whitta would be working with Legendary Pictures to develop a Diablo film.  The participation of Gary Whitta hasn’t been confirmed, but surprise-surprise.  Legendary Pictures website is listing DIABLO under the “In Development” section.

No press release has been made available.  The news section has been replaced by a “Legendary 2.0 is coming soon” notice.  A week ago, the news section over at Legendary Pictures website had not been updated since Q3 2006.  Stay tuned for any updates.  A press release could be posted by them in a few days.  Diablo is coming to the big screen!

It comes to attention, this media-slip comes within a month and a half of BlizzCon 2007.  The rumor and hype is a Diablo game might be announced at the Anaheim Convention Center in August 3-4.

I have seen some feedback of fans thinking a Diablo film would suck, without giving it a try, because some previous films based on games have failed in the past few years.  However, there are two big differences setting a Diablo film apart from the rest.

1. Blizzard games are rich in lore:  In-game and via game manuals.
2. Diablo has eight pocket books (novels) to date.

You can take a look at the Game Manual lore of Diablo 1 (Action/RPG) here and Here, if you are interested. And Diablo II history from its game manual.

Among the authors of these novels are Richard A. Knaak (NYTimes Bestselling Fantasy Author) known by many fans of Dragonlance, Dragonrealms, Dungeons & Dragons; and author Mel Odon.  Diablo books written by Knaak are: Diablo: “Legacy of Blood”, “The Kingdom of Shadow”, “Moon of the Spider”, and “The Sin War”. Mel Odon was author of The Black Road.  Most of the books take place between Diablo 1 and Diablo 2 storylines.

The recent novel trilogy by Richard A. Knaak, Diablo: The Sin War reveals the origin of the world known as Sanctuary.  The events are set 3,000 years in the past.  A recent interview with Richard A. Knaak hinted the novel trilogy had ties with events of the upcoming Diablo game’s storyline. Book three of the trilogy is due on Q4 2007.  I have already read part one and two.  Very exciting read.

With all the lore backing the Diablo franchise, a Diablo film would just rock.  The Diablo film will be produced by a film studios that has proven great achievements in barely two years.  Legendary Pictures is co-produced and co-financed Frank Miller’s 300 (an epic film based of King Leonidas and the three hundred spartans),  Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins”, Bryan Singer’s “Superman Returns”, M. Night Shyamalan’s “Lady in the Water”, and “The Ant Bully” animated film.

Upcoming releases by Legendary Pictures are “World of Warcraft the Movie”, Paradise Lost”, “Clash of the Titans”, and “Superman 2” to name a few.

I could compare a Diablo film adaptation with elements of “300” and “The Prophecy” (starred by Christopher Walken).  A Diablo film adaptation has potential to be one of the best fantasy/horror films.

Share with other fans your ideal Diablo Casting crew at our Diablo forums

If you aren’t sensitive to spoilers you can read a brief summary of Diablo: The Sin War book one and two over at wikipedia.

Thanks, Harrogathhero and tRaDiNgYo.@Lordaeron