Legendary Pictures' highly-anticipated video game adaptation World of Warcraft is scheduled to begin shooting early next year in Vancouver, according to Production Weekly.

World of Warcraft to start shooting this JanuaryWe haven't heard anything regarding this project since {2}, when {3} ({4}, {5}) signed on to direct. The story line is being kept tightly under wraps, but the studio hired Charles Leavitt ({6}, {7}) to write the screenplay {8}. {9}, who was initially slated to direct, is still on board as a producer.

The World of Warcraft video game debuted on PC formats in 1994, where players from around the world take part in the epic conflict between the Horde and the Alliance. There have been several versions of the subscription-based multi-player online roleplaying game (MPORG), which blends elements of sci-fi, horror, and fantasy, since its inception.

No cast members have been announced for this live-action adaptation as of yet, but with production to start in just a few short months, we will surely be hearing about who will star in this highly-anticipated adventure very soon.

What's interesting is that the news comes just a month after Legendary's announcement that they have parted ways with Warner Bros. and have signed a multi-year deal with Universal Pictures.

We reported last month that World of Warcraft is just one of many projects Legendary is bringing to Universal, including Seventh Son and Mass Effect, leaving Universal to decide whether to co-finance these projects or not. It isn't known if this proposed production start date means that Universal has come on board to co-finance, or if Legendary is footing the entire production bill itself.