As Agent Smith, actor Hugo Weaving helped shape modern perceptions of virtual reality with his role in The Matrix trilogy. Now, Weaving is set to star inside VR itself.
The actor, also know for his role in The Lord of the Rings and Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, will star in a full-length VR movie called Lone Wolf, Variety reports. The film, directed by Jonathan Ogilvie, will also feature Hotel Mumbai’s Tilda Cobham-Hervey.
Lone Wolf follows a terrorist cell that conspire to attack the Sydney Opera House in Australia, with Weaving playing a police minister. The audience will view the action through surveillance-style shots in a point of view mode and more. Currently the piece is looking to raise $2 million in funding before going into full production, with plans for a full release in 2019.
As with other recent VR experiences starring well-known actors, there will be a full 2D version of the movie as well as the VR edition. Whereas most VR movies offer 360 degrees of viewing and 2D footage, though, Lone Wolf will feature 200 degrees viewing but show in 3D. It will be interesting to see if sacrificing a full panoramic image for the 3D effect pays off.
In the past year we’ve also seen VR features starring John Travolta, Wesley Snipes and Nicolas Cage. It certainly seems like VR film making is finally attracting big names.
