By Daniel Rutledge
Metallica, the Four Horsemen of thrash metal, are riding back into cinemas in a new 3D film helmed by Predators director Nimrod Antal.
The film will combine concert footage with narrative elements starring the band's current members, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo. It will begin shooting in August, aiming for a mid 2013 release.
Antal, who also directed Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, Armored and Vacancy, says he has always been a fan of Metallica.
"Metallica has always been a huge part of my life, and it's an incredible opportunity when we get to work with our heroes," said Antal.
"We are going to harness the powerful and almighty energy of Metallica's live shows, inject a narrative into it, and shoot it in 3D to elevate the entire experience."
Metallica founder Lars Ulrich, who has appeared in films Get Him to the Greek and Hemingway & Gellhorn, says Antal is a perfect fit with the ‘Battery’ rockers.
"I've been a fan of Nimrod's since his first Hungarian film, Kontroll, showed up at Cannes in 2004 and blew everybody away," said Ulrich.
“I've watched with excitement his career in Hollywood blossom over the last few years. Within five minutes of meeting him I was addicted to his enthusiasm, his take on the creative process and his 'thinking outside of the box' personality. Let's get on with it!"
In December 2011, Metallica celebrated its 30th anniversary, performing four shows at the Fillmore Theatre in San Francisco, exclusively for members of their fan club.
The thrash metal pioneers also recently announced their creation of Orion Music + More, a two day festival that will take place in Atlantic City in June.
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