Historical epics are sometimes terrific (Gladiator) and sometimes terrible (Pompeii), but I always look forward to seeing them, if just for the thrilling visuals and intriguing costuming. In 2o16, we’ll be treated to yet another action adventure deeply rooted in the past with Gods of Egypt, from I, Robot and Knowing director Alex Proyas. Instead of simply exploring ancient Egyptian civilization, however, the film includes many elements of mythological fantasy, with gods and monsters battling Egyptian warriors.
A new synopsis for the movie has shed some light on exactly what audiences can expect. Check it out below:
Magic, monsters, gods and madness reign throughout the palaces and pyramids of the Nile River Valley in this action-adventure inspired by the classic mythology of Egypt. With the survival of mankind hanging in the balance, an unexpected hero takes a thrilling journey to save the world and rescue his true love. Set (Gerard Butler), the merciless god of darkness, has usurped Egypt’s throne, plunging the once peaceful and prosperous empire into chaos and conflict. With only a handful of heroic rebels opposing Set’s savage rule, Bek (Brenton Thwaites), a bold and defiant mortal, enlists the aid of powerful god Horus (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) in an unlikely alliance against the evil overlord. As their breathtaking battle against Set and his henchmen take them into the afterlife and across the heavens, both god and mortal must pass tests of courage and sacrifice if they hope to prevail in the spectacular final confrontation.
I’m not too enthused by the cast, particularly Butler, who has given us some truly awful films in the past few years. However, it’s rare to see him playing a villain, so perhaps that change-up is a good sign for Gods of Egypt. Thwaites, who recently starred in The Signal, is a strong but still hardly known up-and-comer, though his lead performance in upcoming adaptation The Giver will likely decide whether the key YA demographic will flock to see him in this movie. Based on that early synopsis, Gods of Egypt has the potential to be a lot of fun – but it also seems possible that we could be getting another The Legend of Hercules-style disaster.
Geoffrey Rush and Elodie Yung co-star in Gods of Egypt, which will open February 12th, 2016.