"Riders Republic" gets a film adaptation from the "Bad Boys" directors

Another video game adaptation is on the cards: this time it's about the action game "Riders Republic" – and the "Bad Boys" directors are set to direct!

We are of course talking about Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the directing duo behind "Bad Boys for Life" and "Bad Boys: Ride or Die". According to Deadline, the two are set to direct a wild, funny and visually stunning action film. The screenplay will be written by "Stillwater" author Noé Debré.

"Riders Republic" is an open-world multiplayer extreme sports game from Ubisoft that was released in 2021. The focus is on speed, competition and pure adrenaline – embedded in a huge, freely explorable game world based on real US national parks. It is not yet known when the action hit will be presented to us on the big screen. Information on the cast is also still pending.

Putting the pedal to the metal on the big screen: racing game adaptations between asphalt, adrenaline and action cinema

The world of video game adaptations is as changeable as a pit stop in the rain: Sometimes there are flashes of pure cinematic enjoyment, sometimes all that's left is the rubber of wasted potential. While first-person shooters and fantasy games such as "Tomb Raider", "The Last of Us" or "Warcraft" have already found their way into the cinema more frequently, one sub-genre of the gaming world has so far led a rather niche existence on the big screen – racing games. Yet it's actually an obvious concept: fast-paced action, cool vehicles, stylish characters and plenty of speed. What more does an action movie need?

Need for Speed (2014): Passing "Fast & Furious" at full throttle

One of the most prominent examples of a racing game film adaptation is "Need for Speed" (2014), based on the game series of the same name from Electronic Arts. Expectations were high: the games had sold millions of copies worldwide and stood for street racing, illegal races at night and a large dose of petrolhead romance like no other brand.

The film itself relied on classic ingredients: a taciturn hero (played by Aaron Paul from "Breaking Bad" ), a personal vendetta, lots of fender benders and spectacular car action. What the film lacked, however, was that certain something that turned "Fast & Furious" from a simple racing film series into a global cinema franchise: genuine character connection, emotional depth and a coherent mix of over-the-top action and popcorn heart.

Despite many real stunts and a high production value, the film fell short of expectations commercially – which meant the end of further "Need for Speed" film adaptations for the time being.

Gran Turismo (2023): Racing simulation meets true story

"Gran Turismo" (2023), a cinematic adaptation of the legendary PlayStation racing simulation, was much more successful. Unlike "Need for Speed", "Gran Turismo" did not attempt to adapt the game directly – instead, it used a true story from the community: that of young Jann Mardenborough, who went from gamer to real racing driver via a GT Academy program.

Director Neill Blomkamp ( "District 9" ) staged the story as a mixture of sports drama, coming-of-age and motorsport action – with a palpable passion for the racing environment. The realistic tracks, the proximity to the GT world and the personal fate of the protagonist lent the film depth and credibility. Above all, critics praised the fact that "Gran Turismo" did not try to be an action spectacle – but rather an emotionally tangible story that has an authentic effect in the racing cosmos.

Conclusion: racing game film adaptations – a genre with potential

While classic racing game films such as "Need for Speed" still scratch the surface, works such as "Gran Turismo" show that more depth and real stories can be decisive for success. The formula "fast cars = good movie" falls short today. At a time when moviegoers are looking for emotionality and identification, racing game adaptations must also deliver more than just a roar of engines.

The genre is therefore still in its infancy – but with the right mix of adrenaline, story and staging, racing game cinema could soon move from the pit lane of niche existence to the fast lane.