Warren Spector, John Woo Partner For Ninja Gold

Acclaimed action movie director John Woo is to team up with Deus Ex and Thief creator Warren Spector on a new Spector-originated video game and film property called Ninja Gold, according to a new report. The movie will be released by 20th Century Fox genre label Fox Atomic (28 Weeks Later), with Spector acting as executive producer. The movie's, as well as presumably the game's, plot is set in the modern day, but focuses on a group of ninjas still dedicated to centuries-old traditions. The title refers to the smuggling of gold from South Africa by organized crime syndicates. Woo has been involved in the creation of the ninja characters, as well as the basic situation and story themes, though Spector is the main concept originator. According to a new Hollywood Reporter story, this will mean he is able to develop the film without major assistance from the creators of the game. The nature of the game itself is unclear, with Spector being best known for complex PC oriented action role-playing games such as Deus Ex. The movie will apparently be more reality-based than the game, but still featuring some fantastical elements. The movie is currently aimed to start production next year, with no timetable, publisher or formats announced for the game. "The idea actually started with John Woo. He wanted to do something involving traditional ninjas in a modern-day setting, and the idea just resonated with me. I was intrigued with the idea of what happens when the traditional and the contemporary come into conflict,” said Spector. Woo is already heavily involved in the creation of Stranglehold for Midway, via his own video game studio Tiger Hill Games. The game is a sequel to his acclaimed Hong Kong movie Hard Boiled, with Woo’s production partner Terrence Chang for the first time confirming interest in creating a movie adaptation of the story.