There’s been a steady rise in adapted properties in the last couple of months as successful video game developers and movie studios are looking to further expand the fanbase of their established smash hits.
Last year we saw quite a number of acclaimed video game franchises get live-action adaptations such as Mortal Kombat and Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City.
The recently showcased PlayStation Production intro from Sony was exciting and proves just how serious Sony wants to dip its toes into the movie business. Their first project was Uncharted, which saw Tom Holland play the role of the video game’s protagonist, Nathan Drake, with Mark Wahlberg cast as Sully.
Financially, Uncharted was a success as it grossed over $400 million at worldwide box office. However, much was expected from the film and despite its videogame fandom not receiving it with a great deal of warmth, this live-action adaptation of the much-loved franchise has earned its keep to the degree that we might just be getting a sequel in a year or two.
The Last of Us
Sticking with Sony, The Last of Us is yet another acclaimed video game that needs no introduction and is set to premiere as a live-action TV series on HBO Max in early 2023.
Pedro Pascal, who plays Mando in Disney’s The Mandalorian will play the role of Joel, and Bella Ramsey who played Lyanna Mormont from HBO’s Game of Thrones will play Ellie in the post-apocalyptic series.
The first episode of The Last of Us series will be directed by Kantemir Balagov, who also directed Beanpole, a historical drama. Original game creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin are listed as creators and will also serve as executive producers.
God of War
God of War turned out to be one of the most popular and successful video game series ever developed and after years of speculating whether it will make its way as a movie or series, we finally have our answer, and given the depth of world and wealth of characters to cover, we’re personally thrilled that they’ve gone the TV series route.
There are certainly rich pickings in the mythological world of Kratos with multiple possible options
It won’t be easy making a God of War live-action TV series, from casting to storytelling. For a start, it’s going to take a keen eye to pick out the right actor to play the central and essential role of Kratos. The God of War TV series is currently in development at Amazon Studios.
Ghost of Tsushima
This is PlayStation 4’s fastest-selling first-party original IP debut, selling more than 2.4 million units worldwide in its first 3 days.
The game centers around Jin Sakai, a samurai whose island home of Tsushima was attacked by a Mongol invasion of mainland Japan, led by Khotun Khan. You must join your uncle, Lord Shimura, along with an army of samurai prepared to meet the Mongols at their shores and avenge your home.
Sony announced that it’s bringing the acclaimed video game to the big screen as a live-action film. “We’re excited to be partnering with Chad Stahelski and 87Eleven Entertainment, to bring their vision of Jin’s story to the big screen,” said Asad Qizilbash, Head of PlayStation Productions. “We love working with creative partners like Chad, who have a passion for our games, ensuring we can create rich adaptations that will excite our fans and new audiences.”
BioShock
BioShock, the acclaimed first-person shooter that centers around the dystopian underwater city of Rapture, is also being developed into a live-action film by Take-Two 2K.
Much has been revealed regarding the movie, but what we do know is that Vertigo and 2K will produce the film and it’ll premiere on Netflix on an unspecified date.
It’s also uncertain which of the games in the series the film will be based on. Perhaps elements of all of them, though we certainly hope they’ll leave a little space for a sequel.
Horizon Zero Dawn
After the success of Uncharted in cinemas, Sony has decided to bring another one of its acclaimed video game titles to the big screen.
Horizon Zero Dawn will debut as a series adaptation of the video game which sees robotic dinosaurs roam freely in a post-apocalyptic America. The series is in early development and will come from streaming giant Netflix.
Some video game adaptations have been delayed indefinitely such as the Life is Strange series. Ultimately, multiple video games will make their way in the years ahead.
