A long-cherished aspiration of director Quentin Tarantino is finally being realized. The chapter titled “Yuki’s Revenge” from the “Kill Bill” saga is making its debut in Fortnite. This animated segment will also be featured in a limited theatrical release of “Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair.”
Tarantino’s Return to Kill Bill
“Yuki’s Revenge” spans eight minutes and features Uma Thurman reprising her role as The Bride. This collaboration utilized Epic Games’ Unreal Engine and motion capture technology to accurately recreate Thurman’s performance within the game. At a launch event held in Los Angeles, Tarantino discussed how this partnership emerged.
Collaboration with Epic Games
Tarantino initially joined the meeting believing Epic Games sought to license his characters. However, the company aimed to explore original content that aligned with their vision. They asked if he could create a segment lasting eight to 12 minutes that encapsulated his iconic characters.
This inquiry encouraged Tarantino to revisit an unreleased chapter from the initial draft of “Kill Bill.” He acknowledged that “Yuki’s Revenge” had been a concept in his mind for over 20 years. The chapter features Gogo, played by Chiaki Kuriyama, and weaves a narrative that was too ambitious for the original film.
The Use of Motion Capture Technology
Thurman expressed excitement about the innovative approach used to integrate The Bride into Fortnite. The technology employed allows for real-time rendering of characters. It also employs facial data to enhance animation during voice recordings. Thurman remarked on how immersive it was to perform with the camera technology.
She believes this new adaptation broadens the audience for “Kill Bill.” Thurman stated, “It’s really moving. It’s really great, and I think it’s something meant to be.”
The Whole Bloody Affair: Theatrical Release
Lionsgate will release “The Whole Bloody Affair,” a four-hour version that merges “Kill Bill Vol. 1” and “Kill Bill Vol. 2,” in theaters on December 5. This cut runs for 281 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
Plot Overview and Cast
- Thurman stars as The Bride, seeking revenge after being ambushed by her former boss, Bill.
- She aims to hunt down the members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad before facing Bill.
- The ensemble cast includes Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox, Michael Madsen, and David Carradine.
Tarantino expressed his desire for both “Kill Bill” and Fortnite fans to be satisfied with this unique collaboration. This project serves as a bridge connecting distinct audiences while honoring the legacy of the original material.
