One of the most beloved and influential video game icons of all time set to become major live-action motion picture
Wayfarer Studios and Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. announce plans to jointly develop and produce a live-action film based on the award-winning and record-setting video game franchise PAC-MAN. A cultural icon for over 40 years, PAC-MAN has been lauded as one of the most influential and longest-running video game franchises in history.
The feature film will be based on an original story idea by Chuck Williams (Sonic the Hedgehog, Brother Bear) of Lightbeam Entertainment. Wayfarer Studios recently announced a $125M investment to boost further strategic growth. Justin Baldoni, Manu Gargi, Andrew Calof, and Tracy Ryerson will develop on behalf of Wayfarer Studios. Chuck Williams and Tim Kwok will produce on behalf of Lightbeam.
PAC-MAN is an arcade video game originally released in 1980 by Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. (previously Namco) which has become synonymous with gaming for generations of players worldwide. Officially introduced in the US in October 1980, it gained popularity far higher than in Japan and became fondly referred to as “PAC-MAN fever”. The massive admiration led to a robust merchandising program with more than 400 items and a TV series with high ratings (56% of share) in the US. In June 2005, Guinness World Records bestowed the honor of “Most Successful Coin-Operated game machine” on PAC-MAN. With new console and mobile games launching every year, its popularity has crossed the globe for more than 40 years.
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About Wayfarer Studios:
Wayfarer Studios is an independent production studio that is actively developing, producing, and fully financing a slate of highly original, genre-defining, and globally impactful feature films, episodic television, documentaries, unscripted series, and podcasts. Co-founded by Justin Baldoni and Steve Sarowitz and led by President Jamey Heath, their work highlights the power of connection, debunking the typical studio model by championing inspirational stories which unite as true agents for social change. In 2020, Wayfarer launched “The Six Feet Apart Experiment,” a competition for first-time filmmakers to create stories during the pandemic while providing them the mentorship and guidance necessary to bring their visions to life. Wayfarer released the critically acclaimed feature film Clouds, the first feature-length movie launched on Disney+, directed by Baldoni. Upcoming projects in development include The Senior and Empire Waist. In 2021, Wayfarer entered a first-look multi-faceted partnership with Procter & Gamble spanning across film, TV, and new media, with the first project being the highly successful and Webby-nominated, The Man Enough Podcast.
About Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc:
Bandai Namco Entertainment exists to share dreams, fun and inspiration with people around the world. The company’s purpose, “Fun for All into the Future™” is to create a brighter future for everyone by connecting people and societies in the enjoyment of uniquely entertaining products and services. The strength of Bandai Namco Entertainment lies in its extensive roster of IPs (intellectual properties) produced for a worldwide audience of all ages. It is known for creating many of the industry’s beloved classic franchises such as PAC-MAN™, GALAGA™ TEKKEN™, SOULCALIBUR™, ACE COMBAT™, and more. With IP at the core of our business, we deliver deep and lasting, quality content and diverse entertainment to fans around the world through network contents, home console games, and life entertainment.
