Summary
Duke Nukemfans have been waiting for an update on the franchise’s promised film adaptation for ages now, but a recent update from an executive attached to the project won’t give fans the positive news they’re likely hoping for.
Duke Nukemwas a massive hit in the 90s, giving video game fans a truly enjoyable boomer shooter with personality to spare. The franchise’s titular character was a big part of its success, having a look and attitude that was just begging to be transitioned to live action. This obvious slam dunk was deceptive, as industry execs and the video game’s stewards would learn over the decades since. After three different attempts at a live-action adaptation of the franchise in that period, a fourth attempt would be logged when it was announced that aDuke Nukemmovie was in the works fromCobra Kai’s creatorsvia Legendary Entertainment.
The project had been in the gestation period for a while, first being hinted at in 2017 by Gearbox Software CEO Randy Pitchford and tapping WWE Hall of Famer and record-holding World ChampionJohn Cena to play the titular characterin 2018. This ramped up fan excitement for the project even further, and potential viewers have been waiting patiently for some good news on the development since 2022. Unfortunately, that wait seems destined to go even further than it already has. In a recent interview withScreenRantat the SXSW event concerning his upcoming projectThe Astronaut, producer Brad Fuller was asked about the film, and provided a response that’s sure to disappoint fans expecting good news. “If I had information for you, I would tell you,” Fuller responded. “I just know it’s something we’re talking about and trying to figure out.” Whatever else it might entail, this response pretty much confirms that there’s been no progress on actually getting work done on the project all this time later.
This state of affairs is sure to irk fans, and there’s even more reason why the delays and uncertainty around it are unfortunate. The character’s voice, personality, and impressive design were all part of thethings that madeDuke Nukemso popularwith fans in the 90s, and those same traits are his strongest selling point going into a live action adaptation. Anyone would be hard-pressed to find a better candidate than Cena, whose background in professional wrestling has given him a world-class understanding of those exact traits. At various points in his long career, Cena has already taken on the personality that drew fans to Duke Nukem, and it likewise drew them to him. The role was made for the actor, and with his growing demand around town in Hollywood following confirmation of his retirement at the end of the year, the window to make good on that golden opportunity might not be wide enough for theDuke Nukemmovie to take its time in production hell. A change in the project’s lead would be a massive blow to fan interest and could even sink the whole thing.
While things aren’t in the best shape right now,Duke Nukemis a standout character even ina genre built on standout personalitiesand over the top action. The franchise deserves to make it to the big screen more than most, and a lot more than some that already got the theatrical treatment. However, there are tons of examples of films that made it to fans despite slow starts, soDuke Nukemenjoyers can keep the faith and hope the next update on the project is a more encouraging one.
