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WATCH: Video game characters attack Toronto in ‘Pixels’ trailer

TORONTO — Who knew those beloved ’80s video game characters Pac-Man and Donkey Kong are bad guys?

According to the first trailer for the upcoming sci-fi comedy Pixels, they have come back to wreak havoc on mankind along with Frogger, Centipede and — appropriately — Space Invaders.

Released on Tuesday, the trailer offers glimpses of the 3D movie that was shot last summer in Toronto.

PHOTOS: Josh Gad, Peter Dinklage on Toronto set of Pixels

The city doubles for New York and Washington in Pixels.

The trailer includes scenes filmed in Toronto’s financial district as well as looking up University Avenue north of Queen Street West.

Directed by Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Gremlins), the movie stars Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan, Peter Dinklage and Josh Gad.

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They play expert arcade game players enlisted to save the planet from an alien attack.

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“We are the only ones who can do this,” Sandler tells his friends. “I’m kidding, we are all die.”

Josh Gad in action for a scene in ‘Pixels’ in downtown Toronto on Aug. 4, 2014. John R. Kennedy / Global News

The trailer opens with an explanation of the premise. “In 1982 NASA sent a time capsule into space in hopes of contacting other life forms.

“Included were examples of our life and culture. It was intended to be a message of peace. Unfortunately it was taken the wrong way.”

BELOW: Toronto streets are seen in the new movie Pixels.

Pixels was written by Tim Herlihy and Timothy Dowling based upon the 2010 animated short film of the same name by Patrick Jean.

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Sandler co-produced Pixels, which had a reported budget of $110 million — one of the biggest movies made in Toronto.

Originally scheduled for a May 15 release, Pixels is now set to open on July 24.

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