Independent video game developer PlaySide Studios, has signed a license agreement with Hollywood’s Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) studio to create a mobile game based on the Legally Blonde film franchise

The multi-year licensing agreement will enable PlaySide to create a first-of-its-kind video game (combining puzzles and choice-based narrative mechanics) based on the themes and branding of the franchise.

Gerry Sakkas, PlaySide Studios CEO, said signing the agreement was a “historic occasion” for the company.

“Since the company was founded, I have always wanted to license a major Hollywood brand for the development of a mobile title,” he said.

“I couldn’t think of a better partner in MGM, an iconic Hollywood studio with a rich 90-year history of premier movie titles, it’s truly an exhilarating time for PlaySide.”

Under the agreement, PlaySide will be responsible for developing the game and publishing it on Android and iOS mobile platforms, and will retain limited exclusive rights on the genre of game for mobile platforms for a period after publishing.

PlaySide will make a number of licensing payments to MGM during the development phase, and will enter a profit sharing agreement with the Hollywood heavy-hitter after the game’s release.

MGM global consumer products and experiences executive vice president Robert Marick welcomed the agreement.

“Legally Blonde is one of those iconic and inspirational brands that continues to appeal to new generations of fans around the world,” he said.

“We are thrilled to partner with PlaySide Studios to bring these trailblazing films to mobile devices, and offer consumers a new way to interact with one of our most cherished characters, Elle Woods.”

Legally Blonde turns 20

This year marks 20 years since the first Legally Blonde film stormed theatres, pulling almost USD $142 million through box offices against its USD $18 million budget.

Critic Roger Ebert called the film “impossible to dislike”, and praised Reese Witherspoon’s portrayal of protagonist Elle Woods, a sorority girl who trades frat parties for law school in an effort to win back her ex-boyfriend.

“She is so much the star of the movie that the other actors seem less like co-stars than like partners in an acting workshop, feeding her lines. They percolate, she bubbles,” he wrote.

Reflecting on the success of the film (and it’s 2003 sequel, Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde), Ms Witherspoon said Elle Woods remains one of her favourite characters.

Ms Witherspoon described the character as “a modern day feminist” and noted that at least one woman a week tells her Elle Woods inspired them to enter law school.

A third film in the franchise is set to commence pre-production in May this year, and is slated for release in May 2022.

To stay updated with the latest company news and announcements, please register your details on Playside Studios’ investor centre.

Reach Markets have been engaged by PlaySide to assist with private investor management.

Sources:

• Box Office Mojo, Legally Blonde
• Elle, Legally Blonde 3: Everything We Know So Far
• PlaySide Studios (ASX: PLY), Playside Studios Limited & Metro Goldwyn Mayar Studios (MGM) sign license agreement for Legally Blonde feature films
• Roger Ebert Reviews, Legally Blonde
• Today, Why Reese Witherspoon says Elle Woods is still a ‘source of strength’
• Wall Street Journal, How Reese Witherspoon is Changing Hollywood for Women