Over the past decade, video games have transcended their role as mere entertainment, captivating audiences worldwide regardless of their gaming experience. Hollywood has recognized the rich narratives offered by indie and AAA studios alike, leading to a surge in video game adaptations for the big and small screens. The success of recent adaptations like The Last of Us, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners signals a promising future for this transmedia trend. This article explores ten upcoming video game adaptations poised to make a splash in Hollywood, highlighting their potential to capture the hearts of new audiences.
alt text: A promotional image featuring scenes from various upcoming video game adaptations including The Last of Us, Among Us, Watch Dogs and Tomb Raider.
Among Us
Based on the social deduction party game Mafia, Among Us follows a group of colorful Crewmates attempting to complete tasks while identifying the Impostors – alien shapeshifters sabotaging their efforts. The game’s popularity exploded in 2020, spawning countless memes and solidifying its place in internet culture. Capitalizing on this success, Among Us is venturing into Hollywood.
Announced in 2023, a fully-voiced animated series is in development at CBS, helmed by Infinity Train creator Owen Dennis and animated by Titmouse. The impressive voice cast includes Ashley Johnson (The Last of Us), Dan Stevens (Solar Opposites), Patton Oswalt (Ratatouille), Randall Park (Wandavision), Yvette Nicole Brown (Community), and Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings series). A release date is yet to be announced.
alt text: A promotional video thumbnail for the upcoming Among Us animated series featuring the game's signature colourful characters.
Watch Dogs
Ubisoft’s Watch Dogs franchise, known for its open-world gameplay blending stealth, role-playing, and puzzle elements, has been a gaming staple since 2013. The series follows hacker protagonists navigating criminal underworlds within real-world cities. After years in development hell, the Watch Dogs movie adaptation is finally moving forward.
In March 2024, New Regency announced the project with director Mathieu Turi (Oxygen) and screenwriter Christie LeBlanc attached. Sophie Wilde (Talk To Me) and Tom Blyth (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds And Snakes) are set to star. No release date has been announced.
alt text: A still from the Watch Dogs video game depicting the protagonist using their hacking skills in a city environment.
Tomb Raider
Iconic archaeologist Lara Croft is returning to Hollywood in a new Tomb Raider TV series. The franchise, launched in 1996, spans numerous games, comics, novels, and three previous film adaptations starring Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander.
In January 2023, Amazon confirmed Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge would write the series adaptation. Sophie Turner (Game of Thrones) was cast as Lara Croft in November 2024. Production and release dates are pending.
alt text: A promotional image for the Tomb Raider video game franchise featuring Lara Croft exploring an ancient ruin.
Ghost of Tsushima
Sucker Punch Productions’ Ghost of Tsushima, lauded for its story, performances, and stunning visuals, has two adaptations in the works. The game follows samurai Jin Sakai’s fight to protect Tsushima Island during the first Mongol invasion of Japan.
A film adaptation directed by Chad Stahelski (John Wick) was announced by Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions in 2021. Additionally, an anime inspired by the Ghost of Tsushima: Legends multiplayer mode is in development with Takanobu Mizuno (Star Wars: Visions) directing. The anime is slated for a 2027 release on Crunchyroll, while the film’s release date is still unknown.
alt text: A scene from the Ghost of Tsushima video game showing the protagonist, Jin Sakai, in a dramatic samurai stance.
The Legend of Zelda
One of the most celebrated video game franchises, The Legend of Zelda, is getting a live-action film adaptation. The series, which debuted in 1986, has produced 29 games, each building upon the core narrative of Link rescuing Princess Zelda from Ganon.
In November 2023, Nintendo announced the collaboration with Sony Pictures, with series creator Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad producing and Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) directing. While the specific Zelda game inspiring the film remains undisclosed, Ball has expressed his admiration for Ocarina of Time and envisions a “live-action Miyazaki” aesthetic. The film is expected to release before 2030.
Death Stranding
Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding, starring Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, and Léa Seydoux, is being adapted into a live-action film by A24, the studio behind Everything Everywhere All At Once. The game, set in a post-apocalyptic United States, follows Sam Porter Bridges as he connects isolated colonies.
Following the announcement of the Death Stranding 2: One the Beach sequel, Kojima partnered with Alex Lebovici’s Hammerstone Studios for the film adaptation. Details about the cast and production timeline are currently unavailable.
alt text: A promotional image for the Death Stranding video game featuring the protagonist, Sam Porter Bridges, traversing a desolate landscape.
Bioshock
The critically acclaimed Bioshock series, known for its atmospheric underwater city of Rapture and thought-provoking narrative, is getting another shot at a film adaptation. Previous attempts in 2008 and 2022 faced budgetary constraints.
At San Diego Comic Con 2024, producer Roy Lee confirmed that the Netflix adaptation, with Francis Lawrence (The Hunger Games) directing, is still in development, albeit with a reduced budget for a more focused narrative.
alt text: A scene from the Bioshock video game showing the underwater city of Rapture.
God of War
The God of War franchise, renowned for its brutal action and mythological setting, is being adapted into a live-action TV series by Amazon Prime Video. The series, which began in 2005, follows the Spartan warrior Kratos on his journey of vengeance and redemption across Greek and Norse mythology.
After a previously planned film adaptation was scrapped, the TV series experienced a change in direction, leading to the departure of the initial showrunner and writers. Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica) is now helming the project as writer, showrunner, and executive producer.
It Takes Two
The award-winning cooperative game It Takes Two, which follows a divorcing couple transformed into dolls, is being adapted into both a film and a TV series. The game’s innovative approach to co-op gameplay earned widespread critical acclaim.
Amazon acquired the rights to the film adaptation, with Pat Casey and Josh Miller (Sonic the Hedgehog) writing the screenplay. The project is a joint venture between Hazelight Studios, dj2 Entertainment, Amazon MGM Studios, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions. Rumors suggest Johnson may star in the film, which will be released on Amazon Prime Video. Details about the TV series are limited.
alt text: A promotional image for the It Takes Two video game featuring the two main characters, Cody and May, in their doll forms.
Horizon Zero Dawn
Guerrilla Games’ Horizon Zero Dawn, a post-apocalyptic open-world game starring the hunter Aloy, is being adapted into a film by PlayStation Productions and Columbia Pictures. The game received praise for its visuals, story, and captivating gameplay.
Announced at CES 2025, the film is in early development and will reportedly follow the events of the first game, with the potential for a film series later. Actresses Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) and Sophia Lillis (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves) are rumored to be considered for the role of Aloy.
