Summary
A live-action adaptation ofBioShockis in development. Its director, Francis Lawrence, recently shared a promising update about the project.
BioShockis a critically acclaimed first-person shooter video game published in 2007. 2K Boston (originally known as Irrational Games) and 2K Australia developed the game. It is set in the dystopian underwater city of Rapture after surviving a plane crash. It became a favorite among gamers due to its immersive storytelling, atmospheric setting, and philosophical themes. Due to its success, a live-action adaptation was greenlit.Netflixis developing it, in partnership with 2K and Take-Two Interactive. Lawrence, known for helmingI Am LegendandThe Hunger Games,was attached to direct the live-action film, while Michael Green, who wroteLoganandBlade Runner 2049, would serve as the scriptwriter. Lawrence spoke aboutBioShockin his interview about his upcoming horror movie,The Long Walk.
Lawrence told IGN that “BioShock is still in development.” He added that he received a draft forBioShockand had a scheduled meeting with the writer. However, what was surprising was that the latest draft was reportedly written by Justin Rhodes, who also pennedTerminator: Dark FateandSecret Level. Green, who was originally attached as the writer, reportedly wrote earlier drafts, but work halted during the 2023 Writers Guild Strike. It is unclear if Green is still involved in the project. Lawrence acknowledged that the upcoming movie is a “tricky adaptation.” There were reportedly a lot of things that they had to do right. However, he assured fans they were in a “pretty good place.” He said:
There’s regime changes at Netflix, and so things stall out and get re-energized and stall out and get re-energized, and I think we’re in a pretty good place, honestly.
There were significant changes in Netflix’s office afterBioShock’sannouncement. Dan Lin took over as Netflix’s film chief, replacing Scott Stuber. Lin has a different method from his predecessor. The new chief has a modest approach compared to Stuber.BioShockproducer Roy Lee announced at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con thatBioShockwas still in the pipelinewith a reduced budget. “The new regime has lowered the budgets,” Lee said, perVariety. He added that they were working on a “much smaller version” and planned to make the film from a “more personal point of view as opposed to a grander, big project.”
That Lawrence Feels Comfortable Sharing An Update OnBioShockAt All Should Be Good News For Fans
Lawrence’s update aboutBioShockis a great treat to fans because it has been three years since the project was announced. Fans are understandably thrilled about the live-action adaptation ofBioShockbecause it is regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time. The game’s legacy includes deep philosophical themes like free will and objectivism, and is known for rich and immersive storytelling. Another factor that fans are looking forward to seeing in the film is its visually stunning setting. The game is set in thecity of Rapture, an Art Deco underwater dystopia filled with neon lights, ruined grandeur, and eerie silence. How Netflix will bring this to life after the budget for the project was cut remains to be seen.
Hopefully, theBioShocklive-action will remain faithful to the source material likeFallout,Arcane, andThe Last of Ushave managed to do in recent years. Several video game adaptations disappointed fans because so much of the theme and atmosphere were changed that loyal supporters could no longer relate. At this time, the story forBioShockhas remained under wraps. It’s still unclear if it will follow the protagonist Jack’s adventure or if an original story in the same universe will be created for the film. The air of mystery only keeps anticipation high.
