Film Adaptations of Helldivers 2, Horizon Zero Dawn & Ghost of Tsushima
Sony keeps focusing on big adaptations of its hit games
With 12 million copies sold in just 12 weeks, the third-person shooter "Helldivers 2" became one of the most successful PlayStation games of last year. So it's not surprising that Sony announced a live-action film adaptation at a press conference.
The story of "Helldivers 2" is set in a dystopian future in which humanity is united under a totalitarian government called "Super Earth". Players take on the role of elite soldiers, the Helldivers, who must defend the Super Earth and expand their influence across the galaxy. They secure resources, conquer planets and fight in massive battles against hostile aliens. The setting and the black humor in particular were met with great enthusiasm. No wonder, as the makers of "Helldivers 2" were clearly inspired by Paul Verhoeven's film adaptation of "Starship Troopers". Details on the director or a release date are not yet known.
The Horizon Zero Dawn Movie & Ghost of Tsushima: Legends
Sony also has other game adaptations in development. For example, their megahit "Horizon Zero Dawn": originally the game was to be adapted as a series, but is now to be turned into a film. A "Ghost of Tsushima" anime series is likewise in development. Under the title "Ghost of Tsushima: Legends", the series is being created in collaboration with Crunchyroll. So far, though, there is little information about the story. But the title suggests that the anime will not be based on the story of the main game and its protagonist Jin Sakai. Rather, like the multiplayer mode of the same name, it could focus on mystical legends and the tales of heroic stories.
The series will be directed by Takanobu Mizuno, who is already known for his work on "Star Wars Visions: The Duel". The series is scheduled for release in 2027 and, of course, the live-action adaptation of "Ghost of Tshushima" is also still in the pipeline under the direction of Chad Stahelski.
All Live-Action Film Adaptations From Sony at a Glance
In recent years, Sony has successfully turned its popular video game franchises into high-quality live-action films. Here is an overview of the live-action movies and series based on PlayStation games that have been released to date.
1. Uncharted (2022)
The film adaptation of the popular action-adventure game "Uncharted" made its cinematic debut in 2022. Tom Holland starred as the young Nathan Drake, while Mark Wahlberg played his mentor Victor "Sully" Sullivan. The film tells the prehistory of the iconic game series and shows how Nathan takes his first steps into the world of treasure hunting.
With spectacular action sequences and a dash of humor, "Uncharted" was a hit, especially with fans of the games. Despite mixed reviews from the trade press, the film grossed over 400 million US dollars at the global box office and became one of the most successful video game films of all time.
2. The Last of Us (2023)
Another highlight is the adaptation of the survival action game "The Last of Us" as a TV series. It was released by HBO in 2023 and is considered one of the best video game adaptations ever produced. Starring Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie, the series brings the emotional and depressing story of the game to life in an impressive way.
The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where Joel and Ellie travel through infected areas and are confronted with moral dilemmas. Thanks to outstanding performances, elaborate sets and a close-to-authentic realization of the game, the series received excellent reviews and became a hit with audiences. The eagerly awaited second season will be released this year.
3. Gran Turismo (2023)
The live-action film adaptation of the "Gran Turismo" racing game series was released in August 2023. The movie offers an unusual approach to the video game adaptation as it is based on true events. The plot revolves around a talented young gamer whose virtual racing skills give him the opportunity to become a real racing driver.
The movie was directed by Neill Blomkamp, known for movies such as "District 9". Critics praised the authentic portrayal of motorsport, the impressive racing scenes and the inspiring story. The film was popular with both racing enthusiasts and fans of the "Gran Turismo" games.