Sony Counters Disney’s ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ with ‘Pixels’

Disney released Wreck-It Ralph, a fantasy-comedy film about an arcade game character, back in 2012. Now Sony is trying to out-do Disney by developing a film entitled Pixels that will include popular ‘80s video games characters such as Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, and Frogger.

Pixels, directed by Chris Columbus, stars Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Josh Gad, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Monaghan, and Brian Cox. Companies that are teaming up with Sony on the film are Atari® Interactive (Asteroids®, Breakout®, Centipede® and Missile Command®), Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Frogger), BANDAI NAMCO Games Inc. (PAC-MAN, Galaga, and Dig Dug), Nintendo (Donkey Kong), Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. (Q*bert), and Taito Corporation (Space Invaders).

The film is based on an internet short film created by Patrick James where multiple video game characters invade New York City, which can be seen below:

Producers of the new Sony film felt it was important to have popular arcade game characters in the film.

“There would be no way to make the movie without these legendary characters – they are as important to the film as the roles that Adam, Kevin, Michelle, Peter, Josh, and Brian are playing,” Columbus said. “It was a real thrill to see everything come together exactly as we envisioned it, and we’re grateful to have all of these fantastic companies on board.”

“These classic characters are part of the DNA of the project, so it was critical that we work together to bring them on board,” producer Allen Covert added. “Fortunately, they were all extremely receptive. We approached them with a deep love for their characters and a respect for the elements that make them unique and iconic, and we’ve worked with the companies to incorporate those elements into the film.”

As part of its marketing plan for the film, Sony will allow Comic-Con San Diego attendees aged 13 and older to play many of the original arcade games in its Pixels Electric Dreams Factory arcade at the Hard Rock Hotel this weekend.

“There’s no better way for the core Comic-Con audience to interact with the movie than to get a hands-on refresher on the games that will be a part of it,” said Sony Pictures Theatrical Marketing President Dwight Caines.

Pixels is slated to hit theaters May 15, 2015.