NPCs (non-player characters) don’t sound like an enticing premise for a video game or video game movie. It mainly refers to those drony figures who walk around open-world games with zero agency. They provide atmosphere, possibly a side-quest for the player if they’re lucky, but not much else. But what if an NPC discovered the initiative to become a player in the game they inhabit? That’s the premise of “Free Guy,” a new Ryan Reynolds vehicle.
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In “Free Guy,” Reynolds stars as an NPC who decides to “level up” and become more than just a background character in someone else’s heroic arc. He’s taking back his own free will and agency effectively. Here’s the official synopsis:
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A bank teller who discovers he is actually a background player in an open-world video game decides to become the hero of his own story… one he rewrites himself. Now in a world where there are no limits, he is determined to be the guy who saves his world his way… before it is too late.
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Alongside Reynolds, “Free Guy” also stars Jodie Comer (‘Killing Eve‘), Joe Keery (‘Stranger Things‘), Lil Rel Howery (‘Get Out‘), Utkarsh Ambudkar (‘Godmothered‘), Taika Waititi (‘Jojo Rabbit‘), and Camile Kostek (‘I Feel Pretty). The film also reportedly has a slew of celebrity cameos, including Hugh Jackman, Dwayne Johnson, Tina Fey, and Jon Krasinski. Alex Trebek, the late host of “Jeopardy!,” also has a posthumous appearance.
Shawn Levy, best known for his work on “Stranger Things” and the “Night At The Museum” films, directs “Free Guy.” He and Reynolds also serve as producers for the film. Matt Lieberman (‘Scoob!) and Zak Penn (‘Ready Player One‘) provide the screenplay.
“Free Guy” has had several schedule changes, thanks to COVID-19. Originally slated for a July 2020 release, it’s had three different release date before finally arriving this August.
How will “Free Guy” stack up against Reynold’s other action vehicles like “Deadpool” and “Six Underground?” Find out on August 13, when the film hits theaters. Check out the trailer below.