Sony is continuing to go all-in on turning its blockbuster video games into TV series and movies — according to sources, the corporation revealed a Horizon Zero Dawn-based show with Netflix at an investor event. According to Deadline, Sony is also developing a film based on the Gran Turismo series but has yet to find a distributor. It is set to be directed by Neill Blomkamp (District 9, Chappie).
Both projects are said to be in “early development,” meaning we won’t be able to watch them for a long. However, Sony’s constant announcement of new TV and film projects demonstrates the company’s commitment to growing the PlayStation brand beyond hardware and video games.
PlayStation Productions is currently working on a number of additional projects (10 in total, according to Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra). It’s said to be working on:
- a Twisted Metal series on Peacock
- a God of War show for Amazon Prime
- an adaptation of The Last of Us for HBO
- a Ghost of Tsushima movie
- a Metal Gear Solid movie
That’s a lot of major franchises, and some of the projects have some big names associated with them. Oscar Isaac will play Solid Snake, Pedro Pascal will play Joel, Bella Ramsey will play Ellie, and Ghost of Tsushima will be helmed by someone who worked on the John Wick films. And, of course, Tom Holland, Hollywood’s golden boy, starred in the newly released Uncharted film. PlayStation Productions is not dabbling in the cinematic waters; rather, it is jumping in headfirst.
This development also demonstrates Sony’s continued policy of collaborating with various streaming services – it appears that no matter what you subscribe to, the firm wants to ensure you’ll be able to watch at least something featuring its video game characters (or, like, cars in the case of Gran Turismo). Sony stated during its investor meeting that the “very competitive streaming wars” are beneficial to the company.
This isn’t the only effort Sony is attempting to broaden the PlayStation brand’s appeal beyond console purchasers. The company said on Wednesday that it plans to considerably expand its game presence on PC and mobile.
