If, like us, you were deeply moved by Benjamin Ree’s innovative Netflix documentary The Remarkable Life Of Ibelin last year, which chronicled the tragically short life — and unveiled the remarkably rich online world — of Norwegian World Of Warcraft player Mats Steen, then we have exciting news for you. As reported by Deadline, Steen’s story — he passed away at 25 in November 2014 after a lifelong battle with Duchenne muscular dystrophy — will be dramatized in Ibelin, a new film featuring Stephen Graham, Charlie Plummer, Toni Collette, Anthony Hopkins, Isabela Merced, and Maisy Stella.
Named after Mats Steen’s online persona, the charismatic, mustachioed detective Ibelin Redmoore, Ibelin — from the producers of CODA and The Imitation Game director Morten Tyldum — appears to follow in the documentary’s footsteps, showcasing how Steen quietly defied the degenerative muscular disease that would eventually claim his life, connecting with the world and befriending thousands in the virtual world of Azeroth. There’s no official confirmation yet on casting, but it’s reasonable to assume that 26-year-old Charlie Plummer is a strong contender for Steen, with Graham and Collette as potential choices for Mats’ parents. As for Hopkins, Merced, and Stella, there are numerous individuals influenced by Mats Steen — or Ibelin Redmoore — who could be part of this narrative.
With a script by BAFTA nominee Ilaria Bernardini, enhanced by Drive writer Hossein Amini, Ibelin boasts significant talent dedicated to giving Mats Steen’s story the cinematic treatment it deserves. As principal photography is set to commence in Europe next Spring/Summer, it won’t be long before we revisit the remarkable life of Ibelin in a brand new format. Prepare your tissues, everyone.
