Kane & Lynch: Dead Men

Set for release this summer, IO Interactives Kane & Lynch franchise is not only moving from videogame to motion-picture, but is also set to receive a graphic novel spin-off. Labelled as suitable for mature readers only, the graphic novel is simply titled Kane & Lynch.

The troubled film adaptation of Kane & Lynch has suffered another setback, with director Simon Crane pulling out of the project at the last minute. Again. Crane was the first director attached to the project, announced last May, before quitting, citing differences with the production company. He was brought back on board late last year, but has now left again.

Apparently, a nosey hacker was recently poking around the code for Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light and found code to include not only Kane & Lynch, but also Raziel and Kain from the Legacy of Kain series, too. Crystal Dynamics have since announced that all four characters will join Lara, as part of two DLC packs.

Just before production was set to begin on the silver screen adaptation of Kane & Lynch, Patrick Alessandrin's name was erased from the director's chair. With Bruce Willis and Jamie Foxx already signed up for the leading roles, it seemed as though everything was coming together. Filming was slated to begin in October, but now production won't begin until well into 2011...

Everyone in the gaming world is anxiously awaiting(?) the Kane & Lynch movie, but the project seems to have stalled when it comes to choosing a director. Last we heard, Patrick Alessandrin, the director of excellent French action-flick District 13: Ultimatum was onboard to direct, but he's apparently out of the picture. This pushes back the start date of production at least into 2011.

'Collateral' and 'The Soloist' star Jamie Foxx will play the violent James Lynch alongside Bruce Willis in the video game adaptation of IO Interactive's 2007 shooter Kane & Lynch, according to the movie's screenwriter Kyle Ward on Twitter.

In an interview about the upcoming sequel, Kane & Lynch Dog Days, IO revealed that the lukewarm critical reception to the first game prompted a lot of changes in the sequel. Of course it was a blow for us, IO's Carsten Lund told IncGamers. Dog Days producer Hakan Abrak told us that despite the game being a huge success the critical reception highlighted problems, such as the core shooter part, and the cover system.

VG247: Kane & Lynch 2 director, Karsten Lund, revealed to VG247 in an interview posted today that the first Kane & Lynch game sold rather well.

Major Nelson's Blog writes: The following Xbox 360 games are now ready for direct download from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace: Content: GRAW 2 Price: Check pricing for your region Availability: All regions Japan Dash Text: You are the Soldier of the Future 2.0. All systems have been upgraded to give you more power and control on the battlefield. Lead your team of elite Special Forces for the first time on US soil. You are the last line of defense and must do what it takes to be victorious. Content: Kane and Lynch: Dead Men Price: Check pricing for your region Availability: Not available in Korea and United States Dash Text: A flawed mercenary and a medicated psychopath forced together on a violent and chaotic path seeking redemption and revenge. Also, Xbox LIVE members in Japan, can now purchase Raiden4

The script has been incredibly well-received around town, says producer Adrian Askarieh. After Bruce Willis read it, he called it one of the best action scripts he's ever read, and Bruce is an expert in terms of action scripts because he's read everything over the last 20 years. Bruce Willis knows something good when he sees it!