A shock is coming! Netflix touts movie based on hit video game

Los Gatos, California - Netflix surprised gaming fans with the announcement that a movie based on the beloved BioShock game series is currently in development.

Netflix announced on Tuesday that a film adaptation of the BioShock game franchise is in the works.
Netflix announced on Tuesday that a film adaptation of the BioShock game franchise is in the works.  © 2K Games

Netflix asked fans if they "would kindly … get excited" via Twitter on Tuesday, as "the renowned video game franchise BioShock" is in the works.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, it's still unknown who will write and direct the film, but the streaming giant will be working with the game developers 2K and Take Two Interactive on the new project.

"Netflix is among the best and most forward-thinking storytellers in all of entertainment today," said CEO of Take Two Interactive Strauss Zelnick. "We are thrilled that they share our vision and commitment to the BioShock franchise, which is beloved by millions of fans around the world."

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The first BioShock game was released back in 2007 and was immediately well-received. It was followed up by BioShock 2 in 2010 and a third installment, Bioshock: Infinite, in 2013. A fourth game is in development, but likely won't see the light of day for several years.

"Would you kindly stay tuned," said Netflix

BioShock is known for its dark snf twisted imagery, and an even darker storyline.
BioShock is known for its dark snf twisted imagery, and an even darker storyline.  © 2K Games

The first two BioSphere games take place in the dystopian, underwater city of Rapture, where civil war and addiction to a drug that gives citizens superpowers has torn apart the social fabric.

On the other hand, Infinite, the third game in the franchise, thrusts the protagonist into the airborne city of Columbia, which is also ravaged by civil war. While not a direct sequel, Infinite was also heralded among fans and further expanded the BioShock lore.

BioShock is known for its dark, sometimes twisted imagery and an even darker story, inspired by literary dystopian classics like Aldous Huxley's A Brave New World and George Orwell's 1984. It also has an early 20th century-influenced setting, wardrobe, and soundtrack that helps give it an unforgettably eerie tone, reminiscent of games like Fallout.

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The series has maintained critic and fan acclaim with each new game drop over the years, which explains why it has garnered attention from film producers to create an adaptation.

Netflix's reportedly isn't the first attempt at adapting the series, but it is the closest we've ever come to seeing a company actually bring the project into fruition. The streamer might just be the perfect company to take on the endeavor, as it has had a lot of luck in the past turning popular games into Netflix shows and movies, after attempting to become a gaming platform itself.

The Witcher, based on the game series of the same name, has proven to be incredibly successful on the platform. The same can be said of Netflix's Arcane and Castelvania series adaptations.

With Paramount getting their hands on the upcoming live-action Halo project, this might be just the thing Netflix needs to keep up in the game-to-film adaptation war.

Cover photo: 2K Games

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