Sony has found a new potential video game movie franchise, as a Uncharted movie starring Tom Holland. The list of video game movies continues to grow as some of the most popular titles are mined by Hollywood, including some more recent releases.
Back in 2019, Bend Studios released Days Gone on PS4 consoles around the world as part of its first-party developer status with PlayStation Studios. Set in a post-apocalyptic Oregon, Days Gone is set two years after a pandemic that turns people into zombie-like beings known as Freakers. The story follows outlaw and motorcycle-enthusiast Deacon St. John as he ventures into the wild in search of his wife, who was presumed dead. Days Gone was met with mixed reviews, but it still became one of the top 20 highest selling games in 2019. Despite the success, Sony and Bend Studios have not made any progress on a Days Gone sequel video game.
Deacon St. John's story has found new life, though, thanks to Sony PlayStation Productions pushing a Days Gone movie into development according to Deadline. Outlander star Sam Heughan is circling the lead role that Sam Witwer previously played in the game. Oscar-nominated writer Sheldon Turner is behind adapting Days Gone into a movie. The report notes that Turner's script is "a love ballad to motorcycle movies." There is no director attached or release date for the Days Gone video game movie.
As has now become common for video game movie adaptations, Days Gone will see a new actor take over the lead role. Witwer's performance as Deacon was praised from the game. While he is known for his voice work and playing popular video game characters, Witwer is also an accomplished actor in live-action movies and shows. His recent performances include Supergirl and Riverdale. However, Heughan will now take over the role and potentially lead a Days Gone movie franchise.
The timing of Sony putting a Days Gone movie into development is quite notable. The studio is less than a year removed from Uncharted surprising at the box office, as Tom Holland's video game movie rode Spider-Man: No Way Home's popularity to earn over $400 million worldwide. Zombie movies can be hit or miss at the box office, but those that take big action swings like World War Z and the Resident Evil franchise (which are also based on video games) have been quite successful. Days Gone could be another big hit for Sony if done correctly.
Source: Deadline
