Creative collaborations between Hollywood and the video games industry have been quite successful for the past few years (OK, there have been some flops… remember that hideous 2005 adaptation of “Doom”?).
Here’s a list of five of the best recent or soon-to-be-released RPGs that are ready for the big screen. We also came up with a wish list of who should be in charge of their Hollywood treatment. Don’t worry, we don’t want M. Night Shyamalan or the infamous Uwe Boll to direct any of them!
1. Dragon Age: Inquisition
What the game is about: Dragon Age: Inquisition is one of the most anticipated titles of 2014. It involves a brutal civil war between templars and and mages in the fantasy world of Thedas. It sounds epic… mostly because of dragons.
Who should direct the film adaptation: Mexican horror and fantasy master Guillermo Del Toro. Poor Del Toro was left waiting to unveil the awesome dragon he had prepared for “The Hobbit” trilogy. As you might recall, Del Toro quit the project after studio disputes delayed production for years. His knack for creating dark worlds and his proven technical mastery would turn this title into a kick-ass ride.
2. Deep Down
What the game is about: We can’t wait for this game for the PS4 to be released in 2015. The story sounds captivating: you start in New York in 2094, and you are sent to the past to travel dungeons and fight monsters. The mix between futuristic and ancient settings could make for an awesome blockbuster.
Who should direct the film adaptation: Let’s go with a visionary director here. Fresh from his acclaimed sci-fi roller-coaster “Snowpiercer” (2013), Korean director Joon-ho Bong could be a great option. He has already proven that he can create compelling environments and terrifying monsters, as evidenced by his 2006 Godzilla-like dark comedy “The Host.”
3. Dark Souls II
What the game is about: You play as an undead human in search for a cure to regain your humanity. Along the way, you encounter medieval settings, knights, creepy creatures and, you guessed it… dragons!
Who should direct the film adaptation: Tim Van Patten. Tim Van who? Yes, I know his name is not that well known, but I am sure you have seen plenty of his work. He is one of HBO’s main directors and he has been at the helm of episodes for series such as “The Sopranos” and “Boardwalk Empire.” But most importantly, he has directed epic episodes for “Rome” and “Game of Thrones,” proving that he can handle both emotional intensity and a massive production. The idea of him migrating to cinema could be very intriguing, and what better way to do it than with “Dark Souls II”?
4. Wasteland 2
What the game is about: Set in 2012, the game follows the fate of the world after a nuclear holocaust in 1998. Edgy and creepy at once, the game follows the conflicts and interactions between survivalists and other groups.
Who should direct the film adaptation: David Ayer. This director is a hot commodity in Hollywood after his work behind the camera in Brad Pitt’s recent WWII tank film, “Fury.” If he can bring that same disturbing feeling of destruction and hopelessness to an adaptation of this RPG, fans would not be disappointed.
5. Cyberpunk 2077
What the game is about: This highly anticipated video game, Cyberpunk 2077, will be set in a dystopian future where society is full of degenerates and technology is starting to take over. Damn, the year 2077 doesn’t sound that far away, does it?
Who should direct the film adaptation: French director Luc Besson, even if his latest turns behind the camera have been a bit disappointing. However, in the 1997 film “The Fifth Element” he did a great job in creating over-the-top, colorful cyberpunk environments. He can be pretty good with action as well (Nikita and The Professional), so this could be an awesome opportunity to get his fan base back.
