Turning video games into live-action content has been happening for decades. It hasn’t always been great, but lately, we’ve seen some real winners. The Last of Us was fantastic, and Fallout Season 1 was even better.
In recent years, many video game movies have been in different stages of production and pre-production. Some of the most talked-about ones include It Takes Two starring Dwayne Johnson and a Death Stranding movie. But there’s even more on the horizon: Gears of War, Ghost of Tsushima, and even a sequel to Five Nights at Freddy’s are just a few of the cinematic adventures coming our way.
Indeed, there are so many upcoming video game movies that you might discover a few you didn’t even know were in the works. However, it’s worth noting that some of these projects might be stuck in development limbo, taking forever to progress. Take The Division, for example. Until we hear an official cancellation, we’ll keep them listed here for posterity’s sake.
Welcome to Rapture. BioShock’s portrayal of a Randian underwater utopia destroyed by greed and unchecked ambition practically begs for a big-screen adaptation. Despite several failed attempts to bring it to life elsewhere, Netflix has officially announced that it’s developing a BioShock movie.
I Am Legend director Francis Lawrence is leading the project, with Michael Green (Logan, Blade Runner 2049) handling the script. Lawrence recently told GamesRadar that it will feature some “new little twists” for seasoned fans who are familiar with the underwater world.
Borderlands finished filming years ago, and now we finally have a release date: August 9, 2024. We’ve also got a first look and a trailer.
Gearbox’s extravagant world of over-the-top characters will be portrayed by a lineup of well-known names. Directed and co-written by Eli Roth, Borderlands follows Lilith, an “infamous outlaw with a mysterious past,” as she returns to Pandora to locate the missing daughter of Atlas, also known as “the universe’s most powerful SOB.”
Cate Blanchett is taking on the role of Lilith, and she’ll be joined by some familiar faces from the Borderlands universe, including Roland (Kevin Hart), Claptrap (Jack Black), and Dr. Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis).
A Death Stranding movie, in collaboration with production company A24, is currently in development. Developer Hideo Kojima has expressed his intention to be “deeply involved” in “producing, supervising, plotting, look, design, and content of the film adaptation of DS, just not in charge of directing.”
In 2019, Death Stranding hit the screens with Norman Reedus playing Sam Porter Bridges, a courier striving to reunite a fractured America after the apocalyptic ‘death stranding’ event. However, Kojima clarified that the movie won’t be a “direct translation” of the game.
Detective Pikachu is getting a sequel! Jonathan Krisel, co-creator of Portlandia, is set to direct the movie. According to Deadline, there’s a possibility that Ryan Reynolds, who voiced Pikachu in the first film, might also be part of the new project.
Meanwhile, Justice Smith, who played the lead in the live-action film, isn’t certain if he’ll return for more Poke-action. In an interview with Screen Rant, he said, “I don’t know if there is going to be a reunion. I’ve heard rumors that they might be doing a second one, but I don’t know if I’m a part of it.”
A sequel to the thrilling Five Nights at Freddy’s is in development, with director Emma Tammi set to return. Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, known for bringing the iconic animatronics to life in the first FNAF, is currently working on something related to the movie, as hinted by production company Blumhouse.
Excitingly, things seem to be moving forward quickly; a release date of 2025 has been set. However, it’s currently unknown who will be in the cast and which (if any) Five Nights at Freddy’s game will be adapted in the horror sequel.
The tough and rugged soldiers of Gears of War have always seemed like they were made for the big screen. Netflix is now making that a reality by announcing that Gears is being adapted into a live-action feature film, along with an adult animated series. Get ready to watch Gears’ diverse team of battle-hardened COGs battle waves of locusts on the planet of Sera in the near future. Jon Spaihts, co-writer of Dune, has been confirmed to write the script.
Ghost of Tsushima made a big impact on PlayStation when it was released in 2020. Sucker Punch’s samurai epic, which follows Jin Sakai’s fight against the Mongol invasion of his home island, has sold nearly 10 million copies.
PlayStation Productions is aiming to bring that success to the big screen. John Wick director Chad Stahelski is on board, and he’s expressed his desire to have a completely authentic Japanese cast.
Just Cause has encountered a few obstacles on its long path to the big screen. Back in 2017, Jason Momoa was set to play the revolutionary Rico Rodriguez, with Brad Peyton directing.
Peyton eventually stepped down, and Derek Kolstad, creator of John Wick, joined as a producer and writer. Michael Dowse, director of Stuber, is now also involved in the project, though Momoa’s involvement is uncertain. But fear not, the main attraction remains intact: the grapple hook is said to be part of the Just Cause movie. If the games are anything to go by, anticipate breathtaking landscapes, explosive action, and jaw-dropping stunts.
Minecraft is like the Tetris of our generation: universally known, a massive mainstream success, and loved by people of all ages. So, it’s no surprise that Warner Bros. is hoping to hit the jackpot with a movie adaptation.
The original concept for the Minecraft movie centered around “the story of a teenage girl and her unlikely group of adventurers” tasked with saving the block-filled Overworld from the Ender Dragon. However, in recent months, there have been changes, with Aquaman star Jason Momoa joining the cast alongside Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, and Jack Black. Jared Hess, known for directing Napoleon Dynamite, is set to helm the project.
The release date for the Minecraft movie is set for April 4, 2025. Click here to read more about Minecraft
Following the unexpected triumph of Mortal Kombat on HBO Max in 2021, news of a sequel has emerged. According to Deadline, Jeremy Slater, known for his work on Moon Knight, is writing the script, and Simon McQuoid will return as director. Karl Urban is the notable newcomer, set to portray movie star Johnny Cage.
The sequel, however, is expected to address fans’ demands for a tournament and also confront the returning threat of Outworld. Hopefully, it will surpass the poorly-received Mortal Kombat: Annihilation from 1997. Mortal Kombat 2 has wrapped up filming, but producer Todd Garner cautioned that it will be some time before it hits screens.
One of the few upcoming video game movies with a confirmed release date, Sonic 3 could serve as the blueprint (with emphasis on blue) for all future titles transitioning from consoles to the big screen.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 not only grossed over $400 million, but the original movie also listened to fan feedback about Sonic’s design and made adjustments, leading to great success.
Sonic 3 is expected to achieve both critical and commercial success, especially after the positive response to Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Shadow the Hedgehog will make a return appearance, following his cameo in the Sonic 2 post-credits scene, likely played by Keanu Reeves. Jeff Fowler returns to direct, with Sonic voiced by Ben Schwartz, Knuckles played by Idris Elba, and Tails by Colleen O’Shaughnessey.
Sonic 3 is scheduled for release on December 20, 2024.
The Legend of Zelda is officially being adapted into a live-action film, with production led by Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad, chairman of Arad Productions and former founder and CEO of Marvel Studios.
While details about the film’s storyline remain under wraps, it will be helmed by director Wes Ball and will receive co-financing from both Nintendo and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. Nintendo will finance more than 50% of the movie, with Sony handling theatrical distribution.
Netflix has confirmed that The Witcher will be back for a fourth season, but with a twist: Liam Hemsworth from The Hunger Games will be taking over the role of Geralt of Rivia from Henry Cavill. Details about Season 4 are still scarce, but we do know that Laurence Fishburne is set to portray the beloved character Regis.
Prime Video has confirmed the development of a live-action series based on God of War, in collaboration with Sony Pictures Television and PlayStation Productions. The series will continue the story introduced in the 2018 game, following Kratos and Atreus as they journey to the highest peak in the nine realms of Norse mythology to honor the memory of their late wife/mother by spreading her ashes.
Sony has revealed plans to create a Netflix series set in the universe of Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West. The series, potentially titled Horizon 2074, will be helmed by Steve Blackman, known for his work on Umbrella Academy.
Anthony Mackie, star of Twisted Metal, announced at The Game Awards in 2023 that the Peacock show will indeed be returning for a second season.
Netflix has revealed plans to produce a live-action Assassin’s Creed series, with Ubisoft’s Jason Altman and Danielle Kreinik serving as executive producers. This series will mark the beginning of several new projects. Described as an “epic, genre-bending live-action adaptation,” the collaboration aims to explore the dynamic stories within the iconic video game franchise. The project will include live-action, animated, and anime series.
Following a successful first season, HBO’s The Last of Us will be back in 2025 with new episodes based on the second game in the Naughty Dog and PlayStation franchise. While details about the new season’s storyline are still under wraps, we now know the cast for some beloved characters from the game: Kaitlyn Dever will portray Abby, Young Manzino will play Jesse, and Isabella Merced will take on the role of Dina.
The popular animated series inspired by League of Legends is set to make a comeback, with Hailee Steinfeld reprising her role as Vi, Ella Purnell returning as Jinx, and Katie Leung back as Caitlyn Kiramman. Fans got a sneak peek with the release of the first trailer in January 2024