Fans of the "Max Payne" video game series have been long-awaiting a proper film adaptation about the vengeance-seeking detective. With the release of 2008s "Max Payne," starring Mark Walhberg, fans were still left wanting. Loosely, and I mean loosely based on the video game franchise the film left a lot to be desired and didn't have the same neo-noir style that made the video game so memorable. The games boast some of the best story-telling, of any format, ever told and holds a solid 9.3/10 on IMDB.com,

Now, however, it seems there is a ray of hope for "Max Payne" fans.

There is a fan-made film that has been years in the making, releasing for free online this year. According to the "Payne and Redemption" IMDB page, it is set to release in October of this year. Written and directed by Fergle Gibson, the story of "Payne & Redemption" surrounds the psychological trauma endured by the film's main character, a weathered New York Detective, and his journey to seek redemption.

Original 'Max Payne' voice actor

Perhaps the most exciting news about this project is the rumored cast list. Rumored to be in the fan-made film is none other than the original "Max Payne" Voice Actor himself, James McCaffrey. "Max Payne" as mentioned before, is renowned for its neo-noir storytelling and unmatched voice-over work.

To have the man himself in your fan-made project is enough to launch this project into the hearts of gamers everywhere.

Among other rumored stars are Bill Nighy and Richard Brake. Nighy, you will recognize, from films like "Underworld" and "Hot Fuzz." He is an award-winning actor and will bring unprecedented screen presence with him.

Brake you'd probably recognize from "Doom" and as Joe Chill in "Batman Begins."

Trailers and test clips

The trailers for "Payne and Redemption" have been on YouTube for years, and are easy to view for anyone. Max looks like Max, and you can see glimpses of greatness that were taken straight from the screen of the game. These glimpses include Max with a bottle of painkillers, as well as his undeniable leather jacket and open shirt underneath.

There have been many shorts and fan-made films about "Max Payne," as well as the mentioned 2008 film, but not many can capture the image and feeling of the game. Perhaps this is our best opportunity for the "Max Payne" we deserve, or it could be another shot in the dark. There's no certain way of knowing until we see the finished product, and after so long, maybe 2018 is the year we finally see "Payne and Redemption" in it's completed glory.
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