Ernest Cline’s Armada has had a movie adaptation in development for some time now. Here’s what we know about the Armada book to film project so far:
What’s it about? What’s the plot?
Armada’s main character is Zack Lightman, who discovers that his favorite game, a flight simulator video game called Armada, is actually a training tool for a real alien invasion.
Armada (the novel) was released in July 2015. Ernest Cline’s first novel, Ready Player One, was adapted into a feature film by Steven Spielberg.
What format will it be? Will the Armada adaptation be a Movie or a Series?
It’s planned as a feature movie.
Who’s behind it?
Universal Pictures acquired the film rights for Armada back in 2012, roughly two and a half years before the book would be released.
Author Ernest Cline penned the original draft of the Armada script. In 2018, Universal brought on board Dan Mazeau to write a new draft of the script.
Armada Author Ernest Cline
What’s the status of the Armada adaptation?
Despite the rights being purchased back in 2012, the adaptation is still early in development. A screenwriter was hired in April 2018.
Who’s in the cast?
No casting details have been released yet.
When will it be released?
Currently unknown.
Is there a trailer or teaser available?
Not yet! Stay tuned.
Armada Movie / Series Development Timeline
December 7, 2012 Universal Pictures acquires rights to Ernest Cline’s Armada, roughly two and a half years before the book is to be released.
July 14, 2015 Armada (novel) is released.
April 4, 2018 Screenwriter hired to pen Armada movie adaptation
Spielberg pooped the bed with Ready Player One. The book is so much better with a darker feel. His movie was a cheerful Cliff’s Notes version of Kline’s novel. To be fair, it would have been difficult to film a closer translation all wrapped up in a 3 hour or less movie.
A movie adaptation of Armada, however, is easier. The plot is an action story in a real world environment, rather than a heavily virtual one. I look forward to seeing the film adaptation of Armada and hope to not be disappointed like with RPO.