Sam Raimi tapped to direct 'Warcraft' movie

World of Warcraft

The big screen adaptation of the on-line sensation “World of Warcraft” has found a director in Sam Raimi. “Warcraft” publisher Blizzard announced today that the cult horror icon who has directed “The Evil Dead” and, most recently, “Drag Me to Hell” will helm the feature length version of one of the world’s most popular video games. Production is expected to begin after Raimi wraps up shooting on “Spider-Man 4.”

Blizzard is reportedly teaming Raimi up with the production company behind last summer’s box office smash “The Dark Knight,” in the hopes for a huge turnout. With over 12 million subscribers, it seems like a forgone conclusion that “Warcraft” the movie will be box office gold.

So will “Warcraft” on the big screen really pan out or will it pale in comparison as have other video-game-turned-movies such as “Silent Hill,” “Resident Evil,” and the oldie, but not-so-goodie “Super Mario Bros?” With a veteran director like Raimi behind the lens, it gives hope to both hardcore gamers and movie buffs alike that this will be more than your typical video-game-to-movie fare.

“Warcraft” is tentatively set for release next year, but that’s being optimistic. When going into a project like this one, you can hope the producers will take their time to do it right, no matter how long it takes.  With "Spider-Man 4" set for release in 2011, it's hard to believe that this will be released beforehand.