Brando returns as ‘Godfather’ for gamers

Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather.

The late Marlon Brando will star in "The Godfather" again, his likeness appearing in new game based on the classic movie.

The game, the latest from Electronic Arts' growing slate of Hollywood licenses, will be based on both Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 movie and the original novel by Mario Puzo.

Besides enabling the virtual Brando to reprise his Oscar-winning role, EA also secured the rights to the Grammy-winning music Nino Rota composed for the movie and its soundtrack album.

EA acquired the rights to use Brando's likeness for the game prior to the actor's death July 1 and is working with Paramount Pictures during the project. The game developer and publisher has not announced deals with any other talent from the film, but the game is not slated to ship until fall 2005.

"The Godfather" has been consistently popular since it won an array of Academy Awards, including best picture. EA's license includes the rights for extending the franchise, similar to its deal with the Harry Potter property.

This is the second high-profile crime story to draw from the Hollywood archives. Vivendi Universal Games is developing a game based on Brian De Palma's movie "Scarface," potentially pitting Tony Montana against Don Corleone in a war for territory - and market share - next year. The "Scarface" game is a sequel to the 1983 film, allowing players to assume the role of crime boss Tony Montana in a third-person adventure. Screenwriter David McKenna wrote the script for that game, which is in development at Radical Games.

"The Godfather" video game, which is expected to earn a Mature rating, will allow players to become part of one of the most famous crime stories of all time. Although no details about the game have been released, gameplay is expected to blend elements of such popular crime video games as Take-Two Interactive's "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" and Activision's "True Crime: Streets of LA." Both allow players to explore the world on foot and in vehicles as they interact with characters and accomplish missions. Should "The Godfather" game follow this popular model, it would be EA's first entry into this best-selling crime genre.

Traditionally, EA publishes games for all platforms, including PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube and PC, and "The Godfather" is expected to follow this pattern.

- REUTERS/HOLLYWOOD REPORTER