From Comics to Cinema: Duncan Jones Brings ‘Rogue Trooper’ to Life with Cutting-Edge Technology
The film promises surreal, visually striking storytelling — perfect material for Jones’ inventive style.
Duncan Jones has established himself as a visionary in the realm of science fiction filmmaking. Renowned for his intelligent storytelling and distinctive artistic sensibility, Jones consistently delivers ambitious, large-scale projects that push creative boundaries. His latest venture — a long-anticipated animated adaptation of the classic 2000AD comic series Rogue Trooper — promises to be the pinnacle of his creative journey thus far.
Utilising the latest technology, the film is crafted with Epic Games’ revolutionary Unreal Engine 5, promising stunning visuals and immersive worlds. Rogue Trooper follows Aneurin Barnard (known for Doctor Who) as a lone super-soldier on a quest for vengeance. Accompanied by a sentient gun, backpack, and helmet — each imbued with the personalities of his fallen comrades — his mission is as wild as it sounds. And if that sounds extraordinary on paper, wait until you see the first-look images we have exclusively for you.
The visuals depict soldiers navigating barren, toxic wastelands; a colossal futuristic tank dominating Nu Earth’s landscape; and colourful villains voiced by Jemaine Clement and Matt Berry — Mr Brass and Mr Bland — who lurk ominously in the uncanny valley. It’s clear that Jones is back at his best — and not a moment too soon.
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For those unfamiliar with Dave Gibbons and Gerry Finley-Day’s iconic British comics, Rogue Trooper is set on Nu Earth, where war rages between the fascistic Norts and democratic Southers. Barnard’s Rogue is a Genetic Infantryman (GI), engineered to survive in the planet’s poisonous atmosphere. When his unit is betrayed during an invasion, he becomes the sole survivor — driven by a thirst for justice and aided by his sentient gear.
Alongside our exclusive first look, Rebellion and Liberty Films have revealed behind-the-scenes glimpses into their groundbreaking facial performance capture technology that brings Jemaine Clement and Matt Berry vividly to life on Nu Earth.
With cutting-edge tech transforming comic panels into cinematic spectacle, an impressive cast — including Hayley Atwell, Jack Lowden, Diane Morgan, Asa Butterfield, Sean Bean, and more — Rogue Trooper’s journey from page to screen is nearing completion. We’re eagerly awaiting another masterclass from Duncan Jones — coming soon to cinemas near you.
