(Photo by Netflix)
Hollywood’s been cranking out bad video game–based movies for almost as long as Mario’s been trying to rescue Princess Peach. And while recent efforts, like Sonic the Hedgehog and Mortal Kombat, have offered some hope for the genre, others (sorry, Monster Hunter) suggest the curse if far from broken. But while our polygon heroes continue to flounder on the big screen, they’re quietly flourishing on Netflix.
Between Castlevania, Dragon’s Dogma, and The Witcher (technically based on the books that inspired the games, but still) the streamer has made this whole video-game-adaptation thing look easy.They still haven’t nailed the formula, of course, as this summer’s Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness – while not terrible – failed to make much of ripple with fans and critics. But with the verdict still out on Arcane: League of Legends, they could quickly make up any ground lost by the lackluster zombie-slaying series.
And whether or not Arcane soars or sinks, it seems Netflix is committed to the genre, as it’s got several more live-action and animated projects in the pipeline. And they’re not alone. Other streaming platforms are getting in on the action, too, gobbling up gaming adaptations like a pellet-chomping Pac-Man.
Read Also: 45 Video Game Movies Ranked Worst to Best
Dozens of these projects are in the works, but a number of them are in the very early stages of development – or, worse, stuck in development hell. But for every project that hasn’t offered a peep of fresh intel since 2020 (looking at you, Fallout, Diablo, and Cyberpunk 2077), there’s a series casting, shooting, or tackling post-production.
So whether you’re wondering when Halo’s Master Chief will finally bring the fight to the small screen or want to know what Splinter Cell’s long-neglected Sam Fisher is up to on Netflix, see below for a list of game-based shows coming soon to a streaming service near you.
(Photo by Netflix)
Castlevania’s fourth season put the final nail in the show’s coffin, but Netflix isn’t about to drive a stake through the successful franchise. While the popular animated adaptation won’t continue with a fifth season, it will enjoy immortality via an all-new spin-off series; in fact, the streamer has already outlined the premise: Set during the French Revolution, the show will star Richter Belmont, offspring of the original’s Trevor and Sypha (pictured). The whip-wielding monster hunter will be joined by fan-favorite character Maria Renard, presumably to thwart more evil.
When the Wesker kids move to New Raccoon City, the secrets they uncover might just be the end of everything. Resident Evil, a new live action series based on Capcom’s legendary survival horror franchise, is coming to Netflix. pic.twitter.com/XWh5XYxklD
— Netflix Geeked (@NetflixGeeked) August 27, 2020
Like a virus unleashed by the evil-doing Umbrella Corporation, it seems Resident Evil is rapidly spreading through Netflix’s schedule. On top of July’s Infinite Darkness, the streamer is also hard at work on a live-action show based on the long-running survival horror franchise. The show will feature iconic sci-fi/fantasy character actor Lance Reddick as Albert Wesker, the series’ recurring villain. Beyond Reddick’s role, a number of actors – Ella Balinska, Tamara Smart, Paola Nuñez, Siena Agudong, and Adeline Rudolph – have been cast to play yet-to-be-revealed characters. While you’re waiting, check out the latest trailer for Sony’s November film release Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, a prequel to the Resident Evil franchise that stars Kaya Scodelario, Hannah John-Kamen, and Robbie Amell.
(Photo by Netflix)
Splinter Cell fans have waited years to once again don the iconic night-vision goggles of series’ protagonist Sam Fisher. But while Ubisoft seems unwilling to confirm the next chapter of the beloved stealth-shooter, they have given the green-light to a promising animated series. Even better, our favorite Third Echelon agent is in good hands, as John Wick creator Derek Kolstad in onboard to write the show.
Anyone who braved 2017’s brutally challenging Cuphead probably wished they could enjoy more of its animation…when not having their butts handed to them by the game’s bosses. Heavily inspired by 1930s cartoons, like Walt Disney’s Silly Symphony shorts, it pleased the eyes as much as it blistered the thumbs. Netflix’s upcoming series recaptures that absorbing style, while introducing all-new adventures for porcelain siblings Cuphead and Mugman. Of course, it wouldn’t be Cuphead without some trouble, so King Dice – played by Wayne Brady – will also bring his signature blend of menace and charm.
With Giancarlo Esposito taking up the villain mantle in the upcoming Far Cry 6, the open-world, first-person shooter franchise has been enjoying more buzz than usual. It seems that trend will continue, as Netflix is prepping a pair of adult-aimed anime based on the series. While there’s little intel on the first adaptation – simply referred to as Far Cry – details have surfaced on the second project titled Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix. The second series is based on 2013’s Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon, an over-the-top expansion with strong ’8os action-movie vibes.
After multiple delays, the animated adaptation of Riot Games’ enormously popular multiplayer online battle arena (or MOBA) League of Legends is landing on Netflix. Focused on Jinx, one of the fantasy-fueled game’s fan-favorite champions (who’s even received her own Fortnite skin to promote the series), the nine-episode show aims to duplicate the success that saw the streamer’s animated Castlevania project not only spawn four seasons, but also get the green-light for a spin-off.
(Photo by Toni Anne Barson/WireImage; Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Based on Sony’s acclaimed action-adventure, HBO’s The Last of Us continues to look like one of the most promising upcoming video game adaptations. The spot-on casting of The Mandalorian’s Pedro Pascal and Game of Thrones’ Bella Ramsey – as post-apocalyptic survivors Joel and Ellie – already had us sold. But the series’ first-look photo (above), depicting the pair in a scene that could have been ripped right from the game, now has us hungrier than the Infected for the show’s arrival. Toss in a behind-the-scenes pedigree that includes Craig Mazin (Chernobyl) as writer and exec producer, and the end of the world can’t come soon enough.
Read Also: Everything We Know About The Last of Us HBO Series
(Photo by Ubisoft)
Despite a big budget and plenty of star-power, 2016’s Assassin’s Creed failed to break the game-to-film curse. Netflix’s upcoming live-action series aims to remedy this on a smaller screen. Details are guarded tighter than the games’ many ancient mysteries, but prolific writer-producer Jeb Stuart has been named show-runner. Coincidentally, Stuart’s also the creator of Netflix’s Vikings follow-up, Vikings: Valhalla – which actually has no relation to last year’s acclaimed game release Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla.
With Halo Infinite hitting this holiday season, hype for the sci-fi first-person shooter has been at an all-time high. Along with the building anticipation for Master Chief’s next interactive adventure, there’s fresh buzz surrounding the franchise’s long-in-development TV adaptation. It had already been reported that Pablo Schreiber would don the iconic Spartan armor, but the latest word is the series has found a new home at Paramount+, cementing that it’s not only still happening, but is due to land like a UNSC Dropship in 2022.
Read also: Everything We Know About Halo TV Series
(Photo by Warner Bros.)
News of screenwriter Tasha Huo – who’s working on Netflix’s The Witcher spin-off – being attached to the streamer’s Tomb Raider adaptation had us cautiously optimistic the animated series would do right by the iconic adventurer. But our cautious optimism was upgraded to enthusiastic anticipation with word of Hayley Atwell assuming the role of Lara Croft. On top of Peggy Carter herself voicing the fortune and glory-chasing protagonist, Allen Maldonado (The Wonder Years) will tackle the role of tech expert Zip, while Early Baylon will revisit his role from the games as Croft’s close friend and confidant Jonah.
(Photo by Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Penned by Deadpool writers Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, Sony Pictures Television’s Twisted Metal series is positioned to deliver a promising mix of mature humor and high-octane action. But it’s also got plenty of star power under its hood, as newly-anointed Captain America Anthony Mackie will lead the live-action adaptation. Further fueling the show’s bizarre, car-combat premise, it seems the actor will play John Doe, a post-apocalyptic milkman tasked with making a dangerous delivery.
