Filmmaker Wesley Wang, whose animated short film "Violet and Marlowe Rob a Bank" recently won an award at the Tribeca Festival, has revealed plans to adapt the project into a video game. Wang is considering two distinct game concepts, both envisioned as 3D experiences.
One potential game would immerse players in a factory setting where the objective is to steal carrots. These carrots could then be traded for in-game items to build and upgrade a player's home, creating a repeatable gameplay loop reminiscent of a first-person shooter. The second concept would be a more story-driven experience focused on the characters Violet and Marlowe undertaking quests, involving heists of factories and banks to amass carrots for a rebellion against a corrupt government led by President Rabbit.
Wang described the source material's tone as intentionally brutal, drawing a parallel to Quentin Tarantino's directorial style. He highlighted the comedic juxtaposition between the innocent appearance of bunny characters and their violent actions. While the animation itself is not overtly gory, Wang stated his willingness to push the boundaries of violence within the adult animation context.
The short film "Violet and Marlowe Rob a Bank" also serves as the music video for the song "Feel It Again" by the band Adore. It depicts two bunnies leading a revolution against President Rabbit, who has monopolized the world's carrot supply.
Beyond video games, Wang expressed interest in expanding his narrative into feature films, with a potential prequel to the short film already in development and planned for submission to studios. He maintains that despite aspirations for theatrical and streaming releases, YouTube will remain a core platform for his work, emphasizing the enduring nature of online content. Wang also indicated a desire to explore various genres, with a murder mystery project being his next endeavor.
An Easter egg in the short film's conclusion, where Marlowe seemingly sacrifices himself, has led to speculation about his fate. Wang hinted that a reflection in Violet's eyes at the end of the short might suggest Marlowe's survival, potentially setting up the narrative for the proposed prequel film.