Warcraft director says dad Bowie would have been proud
Stars and fans show up in costume for Hollywood premiere of Duncan Jones’ film based on video game World of Warcraft
Filmmaker Duncan Jones spoke emotionally Monday about how his rock legend father David Bowie would have been proud of his new movie Warcraft at its worldwide premiere in Los Angeles.
The 45-year-old Londoner was among a host of stars at the TCL Chinese Theatre for the screening as hundreds of fans, many dressed in costumes from the film, lined Hollywood Boulevard, clapping and cheering.
Bowie, who was born in London but lived his final years in New York, was one of the most influential artists in rock history and also had a wide impact on theatre and fashion.
Based on the global smash hit video game World of Warcraft, CGI extravaganza Warcraft tells of the initial battles between humans and orcs.
“I did get to show a couple of early bits and pieces and I think he was really amazed by what we were doing, and it was lovely to be able to do that,” said Jones.
The director’s third film after critical hits Moon in 2009 and Source Code in 2011, Warcraft debuts in the US on Friday.
“Warcraft has visual thrills to spare, but they – and director Duncan Jones’ distinctive gifts – are wasted on a sluggish and derivative adaptation of a bestselling game with little evident cinematic value,” the site’s consensus says.
Dominic Cooper, 36, who plays the human king Llane, a powerful figure who governs over a world called Azeroth, sported a sharp suit and spectacles on the red carpet.
“Don’t make me put a spell on you,” she warned before waving her “magic cane” at the world’s media and yelling: “I’m doing it now!”
American actress Paula Patton, 40, cut a more glam figure than her half-orc slave character as she sparkled in a thigh-length sequined lilac number.
“I’ve always gravitated to those kind of characters,” said Hong Kong-based American actor Daniel Wu, who plays the shaman Gul’dan in the film.
“And to play the most evil character in Warcraft lore, is probably the best villain you could ever play. It’s pretty cool.”
Warcraft: The Beginning opens on June 9