When it comes to game to film adaptations, the harsh truth is that they are almost universally terrible. Sometimes, they’ll enjoy a sizeable budget that is mostly blown on visual effects, but we’ve yet to see a film based on a video game that’s much cop. Tomb Raider, Mario Bros., Streetfighter, Hitman…they’ve all been turkeys.
But is the tide finally turning? There’s been increasing buzz around a slew of film adaptations of games that may just work. You probably shouldn’t hold your breath, but there’s a chance that we might be about to enter the ‘Golden Age of Video Game Adaptations’. Here are a few of the films getting people excited:
The Last of Us
Of course, you knew this was going to be on our list, especially with the recent confirmation of its storyline being based on the video game. The idea of such a widely-acclaimed, cinematic thriller such as The Last of Us making its way to the big screen is a testament to the growth of video games in general, and is incredibly exciting. Though no other details have been confirmed, a movie based on The Last of Us certainly has a top spot on our list.
Assassin’s Creed
Assassin’s Creed is currently one of the most successful video game franchises. A film update was inevitable, but it was Michael Fassbender’s name that got everyone hot and bothered. He’s apparently co-producing and starring in the film, which is expected to hit theaters next year.
Warcraft
It’s incredible that nobody has attempted an adaptation of Warcraft before. The first video game in the franchise was released in 1994, and with the help of its sequels, has defined the real-time strategy genre. Duncan Jones, director of Moon and Source Code, is helming the adaptation, which will star Ben Foster, Travis Fimmel and Paula Patton. Jones has hinted that the film will be PG-13, but with a darker edge to it, similar to Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy.
Hitman
There’s already been a Hitman adaptation, starring Timothy Olyphant. Unfortunately, it was a botched job. Thankfully, it made enough money to warrant a revisit. The new film, titled Agent 47, was to feature The Fast and the Furious star Paul Walker. Since his tragic death last November, Rupert Friend, who stars in Showtime’s Homeland, has replaced him.
Dead Space
The Dead Space trilogy has been hailed as a solid modern entry into the survival horror genre. It’s truly terrifying and you can tell its designers were nourished on hundreds of horror films for inspiration. Legendary horror director John Carpenter expressed his interest in helming the project, although things have gone quiet recently. EA have stated that rather than attempting to sell the project as a concept to a film studio, they have commissioned a script first, which they will then court studios with.
[divider]
So there you have it, our top 5 Upcoming game to film adaptations and hopefully they’ll be given the screen treatment that they deserve. It’s hard to say if there ever will be a classic game-to-film adaptation, but with game developers wanting increasing creative control, maybe we’ll get one yet. Did we miss any, is there a particular adaptation you’re excited to see? Tell us in the comments below!
