Yes, the popular 80s tile-matching phenomenon is getting a movie, but it won’t be all fun and games. The film is set to follow the legal battles over ownership of Tetris that took place during the Cold War. It was announced last week on Twitter that “Rocketman” star Taron Egerton will portray video game designer Henk Rogers in the upcoming biopic.
Henk Rogers co-founded The Tetris Company with Tetris game creator Alexey Pajitnov. “Tetris” will focus on Rogers’ arduous journey to secure intellectual property rights for himself and Pajitnov. The uphill battle between Rogers and a Soviet agency ended with Tetris being brought to Nintendo’s Game Boy.
“Tetris” will be directed by Scottish filmmaker Jon S. Baird. Baird’s last project was 2018’s “Stan & Ollie” starring Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly. The biographical dramedy received much critical acclaim upon its release, particularly praising John C. Reilly’s Golden Globe-nominated performance. Baird’s body of work also includes “Filth,” which he wrote, directed, and produced, and 2008 crime drama “Cass.” In addition, he has directed episodes of TV series “Vinyl” and “I’m Dying Up Here.”
Taron Egerton rose to prominence after starring in Matthew Vaughn’s “Kingsman: The Secret Service” and subsequent “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” Egerton’s filmography further includes sports drama “Eddie the Eagle” and animated musical “Sing.” Last year, Egerton took on the role of singer-songwriter legend Elton John in the musical biopic “Rocketman.” He was widely lauded for his acting and vocal performance, which earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.
Leonard Blavatnik and “Kingsman: The Secret Service” director Matthew Vaughn have boarded the project as producers. No other cast members have been announced. Production is reportedly commencing this September.
Taron Egerton will reprise his role as the voice of Johnny in 2021’s “Sing 2.” He is also rumored to play Seymour Krelborn in the adaptation of musical “Little Shop of Horrors.”
