Netflix continues to invest in video game adaptations with the announcement of aBioshockmovie that will be coming to the streaming service. The streamer has partnered with Take-Two Interactive, the game’s parent company, and 2k, the game’s publisher, to possibly build a cinematic universe based on this property.
So far, no filmmaker or cast members are attached to the film as it is still very early on in development. Netflix has also not confirmed whether the movie will be live-action or animated.
Released in 2007,Bioshockis an incredibly successful game that led to two other sequels:Bioshock 2andBioshock Infinite. In the game, you play as Jack, who survives a plane crash in the Atlantic Ocean and winds up in the mysterious underwater city known as Rapture. The city is in turmoil as it has been divided into a civil war, with many of its citizens becoming addicted to a serum that gives them powers. The citizens also live in fear of Big Daddies, mutated humans who have merged with gigantic diving suits.
This is the Second Attempt at Developing aBioshockMovie
This will be thesecond attemptat turningBioshockinto a movie. According toThe Hollywood Reporter, Universal attempted to develop a film over a decade ago withPirates of the Caribbeandirector Gore Verbinski attached to the project. After Verbinski left the project, Juan Carlos Fresnadillo (28 Weeks Later) became attached to direct. Both Verbinski and Fresnadillo butted heads with the studio over things like “budget and an R-rating.” Eventually, Take-Two and 2k pulled the plug on the project.
Video game movies have been experiencing more success, with recent projects likeSonic the HedgehogandMortal Kombatperforming admirably, with both getting sequels. Upcoming video game adaptations includeUncharted,Sonic the Hedgehog 2,Borderlands, and an HBO series adaptation ofThe Last of Us.
For Netflix, video game adaptations have been going well thus far, withDota: Dragon’s Blood,Castlevania, andArcane: League of Legendsbeing some of the service’s most popular series.The Witcheris currently one ofNetflix’s most popular franchises, with a prequel spinoff on the way.
In addition toBioshock, Netflix also has aCupheadseries coming soon and is also developing a series based on theAssassin’s Creedfranchise. While video game adaptations seem to be cursed, recent shows likeArcaneandThe Witcherare proving that these adaptations can be great if the right creative team is attached.
