Fortnite developer and publisher Epic Games is stepping into the movie industry with the animated movie Gilgamesh, based on the hero from ancient Mesopotamian mythology.
The developer is teaming up with Latin American animation studio Hook Up and Argentinian firms DuermeVela and FilmSharks on the project, which will use Epic’s Unreal Engine technology to display the exploits and adventures of the king-turned-deity Gilgamesh who was immortalized in the epic poem which bears his name and which is said to have influenced Homer’s Odyssey and Iliad.
The film, which will have English and Spanish versions, will explore demigod Gilgamesh’s quest for immortality and his rivalry then friendship with wild man Enkidu.
Epic’s $100M MegaGrants fund is investing in the project, which will be directed by Argentinian filmmaker Tomas Lipgot, who most recently produced 2019 Spanish-language feature The Adopters.
The fund is designed to support creators using Epic’s Unreal Engine technology, the real-time 3D suite of tools used for photoreal visuals and immersive experiences. The tech’s ability to create virtual sets was recently employed by LucasFilm on The Mandalorian and Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy on Westworld.
The LatAm partners on Gilgamesh will also use the MegaGrant for potential future projects using the tech, which Epic uses on its gaming phenomenon Fortnite.
FilmSharks CEO Guido Rud said: “It’s an honour to see Epic Games supporting Gilgamesh through the Epic MegaGrants program. Although animation has done an excellent job of entertaining through comedy and colorful creatures, there is also a huge appetite and opportunity to share cultural stories and tell larger-than-life mythical tales.”
