Gamers will soon be snuggling up with some classic literature as Ubisoft gets to work on a video game based on Paramount Pictures’ and Shangri-La Ent.’s animated adaptation of Beowulf. The development team will be assets and storylines from the film, which is being directed Academy Award winner Robert Zemeckis and adapted for the screen by Neil Gaiman (Coraline) and Roger Avary (Pulp Fiction).

Beowulf is particularly well-suited for the video game format,’ says Zemeckis. “Not only does the film have a compelling story and strong visual style that will translate well into a game, but because the film is entirely digital, we are able to share our assets with Ubisoft. Audiences will be able to make a seamless transition between the film and the game.’

For those who somehow got out of reading it in high school, Beowulf tells the story of a mighty warrior who saves a kingdom by slaying a beast named Grendel and going after his scaly, cave-dwelling mother. Zemeckis’ take stars Ray Winstone (Sexy Beast) in the title role, Anthony Hopkins as the corrupt King Hrothgar and Angelina Jolie as Grendel’s mother. Other noteworthy actors lending their voices to the production include John Malkovich, Robin Wright Penn, Brendan Gleeson, Crispin Glover and Alison Lohman.

The Beowulf movie will be made using ImageMovers’ performance-capture technology, which was employed on The Polar Express and Monster House. The film is being produced by Steve Starkey, Robert Zemeckis and Jack Rapke. Exec producers are Martin Shafer, Roger Avary and Neil Gaiman. The game is expected to hit retail in conjunction with the movie’s planned opening this November. For more information on the movie, go to http://www.beowulfmovie.com.