It appears as though the sci-fi RPG Mass Effect has taken its first big step toward becoming a movie. Kotaku (via Variety) are reporting that big time comic book movie producer Avi Arad has optioned the rights of Mass Effect from Electronic Arts.

The only thing Arad has to do from this point on is to hire writers, hire a director, and find a studio. Those are all incredibly easy things to do, so expect Mass Effect to hit theatres some time next week. In the meantime, it may be in your best interests to check out some of Arad’s other Emmy award winning titles like Bratz, Fantastic Four, and Nick Fury: Agent of Shield.

Kidding aside, Arad seems to be the right guy to do this film. I thought Iron Man was one of the best comic book movies I have seen in a long time. I just hope that a Mass Effect movie can successfully navigate the scale of the universe, as well as keep me as involved in terms of story. I vote for Vin Diesel with a wicked scar as Commander Shepherd. What say you guys?