Netflix’s live-action film adaptation of popular video game Gears of War has taken a step closer to becoming reality, as the streamer has hired writer John Spaihts to pen the film. Spaihts is best known for writing Denis Villeneuve‘s recent Dune film (and its upcoming sequel) as well as Marvel’s Doctor Strange.
His next challenge will be adapting one of gaming’s richest and most acclaimed video game sagas for the big screen. The series has sold over 40 million copies and is credited with redefining the tactical third-person and co-operative shooter genre.
Six games have been released, with the original trilogy focusing on the conflict between humanity and the subterranean reptilian humanoid known as the Locust Horde on the world of Sera. It’s unclear right now how closely – if at all – the movie will follow the plot of the original game.
Spaihts told Variety:
“Gears of War is one of the all-time great action games, with vivid characters, a beautifully designed world, and a combat system that drives home the lethality of war and the importance of standing by your squadmates. It wants to be cinema, and I’m thrilled to have the chance to help that happen.”
This isn’t the first time a Gears of War film has been attempted. New Line Cinema briefly acquired the rights to an adaptation in 2007, just a year after the original game was released. Then Scott Stuber, now coincidentally head of Original Films at Netflix, came onboard as a producer in 2013 at Epic Games.
Universal then hired F. Scott Frazier to write an adaptation in 2018, but nothing came to fruition. Then last year, Netflix announced a partnership with The Coalition, the developer behind the series, to adapt the Gears of War universe.
Together they plan to first adapt the game into a live-action feature film, and then follow it with an adult animated series, with the potential for more stories to follow.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Jon and the Netflix team to bring Gears of War to life,” stated The Coalition. “Jon is a master storyteller with a talent for creating epic, science-fiction universes, and he truly loves Gears of War. We couldn’t ask for a better partner to honor our franchise and deliver an authentic story to our fans.”
Considering Spaihts’ experience handling major genre IP, he looks like a good choice for the gig. But he’ll have his hands full, as gaming has notoriously passionate fanbases, and the Gears fandom is one of the most vocal.
Netflix obviously see this as a potential franchise for them. Expect more news regarding casting and who might direct the film in the coming months.
#Peace.Love.GearsOfWar
