The realm of video games has found its way onto the silver screen in a significant way, particularly in 2023. Following the unprecedented success of the “Super Mario Bros. Movie,” a cinematic phenomenon, fans have been treated to more adaptations, the latest being “A Minecraft Movie.” This film’s success at the box office has further solidified the trend of video game adaptations becoming a central player in the entertainment industry. Industry insiders now speculate that these adaptations might soon overshadow the superhero franchises, long considered Hollywood’s reigning champions in terms of intellectual property.
Despite the potential for success, the path for video game adaptations has not always been smooth. While some films flourish, others like “Borderlands,” “Uncharted,” and “Tomb Raider” (both from 2022 and the previous reboot from 2018) failed to capture the heart and magic of their respective source materials. Critics were vocal in their discontent, indicating that the relationship between a game’s engaging storytelling and its film counterpart often seems tenuous at best. Nevertheless, successful adaptations have paved the way for sequels and numerous new television series. Expect upcoming expansions in the universes of “Mario,” “Mortal Kombat,” “Sonic the Hedgehog,” “The Angry Birds,” and more. Adding to the excitement is the much-anticipated Season 2 of the acclaimed series “The Last of Us,” debuting this weekend.
As we look ahead, the future is brimming with an array of promising video game adaptations poised for release. The following is a roundup of noteworthy projects slated for both films and television, presented in no particular order:
Starting with “The Legend of Zelda,” a cultural cornerstone in the gaming world, a live-action adaptation is set to premiere in 2027. Under the direction of Wes Ball, known for his work on the “Maze Runner” series, this film has generated considerable buzz, especially given the franchise’s influential status alongside “Super Mario Bros.” The mere announcement that “Zelda” would bless theaters in 2027 nearly overwhelmed the internet.
In the realm of horror, the film “Until Dawn” is slated for release on April 25. This adaptation of the highly popular survival horror game will weave a narrative of a group trapped in a time loop, reminiscent of classic films such as “Groundhog Day.” Evoking elements of suspense and terror, the film will star Odessa A’zion, known for her role in the 2022 “Hellraiser” reboot.
Another anticipated title is “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” scheduled for December 5. Following the success of the original 2023 film, which capitalized on the survival horror game’s immense popularity, this sequel promises to return key cast members such as Josh Hutcherson and Matthew Lillard while introducing fresh faces like Mckenna Grace and Wayne Knight, cementing its place in the horror genre.
Moving on to the franchise of “Silent Hill,” fans can expect “Return to Silent Hill” to hit theaters, though a firm date remains TBA. Directed by Christophe Gans—a name familiar to fans for helming the original “Silent Hill” film back in 2006—this sequel draws inspiration from the beloved video game “Silent Hill 2” and follows James Sunderland’s harrowing journey back to the haunted town guided by a mysterious letter.
Additionally, a sequel to “Pokémon: Detective Pikachu,” which features an endearing performance by Ryan Reynolds as the titular character, has been announced, but details regarding the returning cast members remain uncertain.
Amazon Studios is also developing a series based on the celebrated game “God of War Ragnarok.” This adaptation is expected to remain true to the storyline of the game, following Kratos and his son Atreus as they navigate the treacherous waters of Norse mythology, which has captivated players since its release.
Lastly, another adaptation in the works is an animated feature based on the game “Stray.” This project is in the hands of Annapurna Pictures, the company behind the beloved 2022 video game. Distinctly imaginative, the story will follow a cat traversing a dystopian cyberpunk city while solving mysteries to find its way back home, echoing sentiments found in other artistic creations.
The expanding universe of video game adaptations indicates a bright future in cinematic storytelling, offering a diverse range of genres, from animated family films to spine-chilling horror, drawing in audiences eager for fresh narratives that bridge the gap between gaming and filmmaking. The interaction—though sometimes complicated—between video games and cinema promises rich storytelling opportunities that will likely resonate for years, as beloved game narratives find new life in this evolving medium.
