BioShock is the latest video game to get a live-action adaptation after Netflix confirmed that a film is currently in the works and that they'll be bringing the dystopian world of Rapture to life on screen.
The streaming service will be partnering with 2K and Take-Two on the project, which will join the likes of The Witcher, The Last of Us and Halo as the next gaming-inspired story to hit our screens.
In a statement, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said: "Netflix is among the best and most forward-thinking storytellers in all of entertainment today. We are thrilled that they share our vision and commitment to the BioShock franchise, which is beloved by millions of fans around the world."
He added: "2K’s Cloud Chamber studio is deep in active development on the next iteration of the series, and coupled with our partnership with Netflix, we remain highly confident that BioShock will continue to captivate and engage audiences like never before."
Here's everything we know about the BioShock film so far...
Would you kindly…get excited because Netflix is partnering with 2K and Take-Two Interactive to produce a film adaptation of the renowned video game franchise BIOSHOCK! pic.twitter.com/lUqfaNlbc4February 15, 2022
BioShock release date
We may have to wait a while before BioShock arrives on Netflix, as so far we've had no confirmation of a release date. But we'll keep you updated as soon as we know!
Who is directing BioShock?
I Am Legend and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes director Francis Lawrence is at the helm of the BioShock movie and recently told Collider that he wants to keep the adaptation as close to the video games as possible.
He said: "Me and Cameron [MacConomy] who works with me, and Michael [Green] are getting to do what we want to do, which is great. A lot of it is staying really true to the game itself, and we're talking to Take-Two and Ken Levine."
In an interview with Games Radar, he said: "Oh, we have some new little bits in there, yes. I mean, the truth is it's game one, so we're being very true to a lot of it, right? So, we're not breaking canon in any way. But we do have some new little twists that will surprise fans, but that all fit in. We have a really good script, I'm really excited about it."
What is the plot?
Blade Runner 2049 writer Michael Green is writing the script, but right now we don't have exact plot details for the new adaptation. However, according to an interview with Collider, they already know how it's going to go down.
Director Francis Lawrence said: "Well, Michael Green, who wrote Blade Runner 2049, among other things, and who's been a friend of mine for years, he's writing it, and he's in the middle of writing it right now. We already have our take, outline, and all that kind of stuff, so that's all done. He's now just actually writing."
The first BioShock video game was released in 2007 and introduced players to a fictional, underwater city called Rapture, where they uncovered the dark secrets about how a city intended to be a safe haven became a hellish environment, constantly stalked by suited giants called Big Daddies.
It is likely that it will focus on the events of the first game and take viewers on a journey through Rapture, and how citizens are encouraged to biologically modify their own bodies in order to survive.
There's a lot of philosophy attached to the game, and it has notably been inspired by the philosophy, architecture, and society featured in Ayn Rand's novels, so viewers should see some deeper themes explored too. We'll have to wait for confirmation!
In a press release, Netflix added: "The original BioShock is more than just a superb first-person shooter game. It’s also a sneakily compelling morality tale, told deep under the surface of the ocean in a creepy underwater city called Rapture.
In between blasting through hordes of Splicers, players are able to simply explore the rotting hallways and dilapidated storefronts of an entire mysterious world, meant as an Ayn Rand-inspired fantasyland for a mysterious historical figure. There’s more to discover than simple shotgun blasts — although those shotgun blasts are obviously more than satisfying. It’s no wonder the games have sold a combined 39 million copies worldwide. "
Who's in the cast?
Casting for the BioShock film has not been confirmed, as production on the film is still in the early stages. But when casting news comes in we will update this guide with everyone who'll be taking on the roles.
Is there a trailer?
No, it's too early for any trailers yet!
