Warcraft movie: Duncan Jones on making film amidst personal strife

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In addition to being Duncan Jones’ (Moon, Source Code) biggest film to date, the June release for Warcraft has a deep, personal meaning to the director. The three and a half years Jones spent working on the project were a particularly difficult period in his life.

“It’s been a hard three years, so it’s been a difficult time,” Jones said. “But I’m proud of what we’ve done.”

Most people familiar with Jones and his work know that he is the son of legendary artist David Bowie, who died in January after a battle with cancer. What many may not know was that the beginning of Jones’ time on Warcraft came with its own strife.

Jones’ wife, photographer Rodene Ronquillo, was recovering from breast cancer as production was ramping up.

“It’s just been a strange adventure,” Jones said of the production.

But the film, which stars Travis Fimmel (Vikings) and Paula Patton (Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol), will enter the world on a positive note for Jones, as he and his wife are expecting their first child this June. “That feels like new beginnings, in a way,” Jones said.

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On top of what was happening in his personal life, the lengthy production also meant the loss of something else: time. “I didn’t start as early in making movies as I would have liked, only because it took me a long time to find out what I wanted to do and how I wanted to do it, so I feel like my time is limited to get as much done in my life as I want to,” Jones said. “Three and a half years is a long time for one movie.”

Up next, Jones will direct Mute, a much smaller sci-fi project starring Paul Rudd and Alexander Skarsgard, which he’s hopeful will have a much faster turnaround.

Warcraft hits theaters on June 10.