Red Dead Redemption 2: The Challenges of a Film Adaptation
Red Dead Redemption could have a movie adaptation, but Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick says the GTA publisher is "not eager" to pursue such an endeavor, due to the risks and limited economic opportunities in the film industry. Zelnick highlights the success of video game adaptations like the Super Mario Bros. Movie and The Last of Us, but also notes the many failures, and points to the Arcane, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, The Witcher, and Halo as examples of recent successful adaptations.
"There's been an explosion of interest in video game adaptations, and I think it's fair to say that there have been some very successful ones," Zelnick says. "I'm talking about the Super Mario Bros. movie from 1993 and The Last of Us, which is the highest-rated video game movie ever. But there have been many failures as well."
Zelnick mentions the disappointment of the Max Payne movie, and how it didn't improve the reputation of the game series. While Take-Two is working on Borderlands and BioShock film adaptations, Zelnick emphasizes that the company will only pursue projects with a creative imperative and economic opportunity.
"When you have great source material, and you have a great screen adaptation, with a great director and a great cast, you can have a great movie," Zelnick says. "Take a look at the recent successes: The Witcher, Halo, and the reboot of Tomb Raider. I would also throw into the mix the Netflix series based on The Last of Us and the very successful Arcane."
Despite recent successes, Zelnick mentions the departure of co-writer Craig Mazin from the Borderlands film project, and how the project has faced some delays. This may contribute to Take-Two's cautious approach to the film industry, which Zelnick says is "incredibly challenging."
"We'll remain highly selective in licensing our properties for adaptations," Zelnick says. "As for Red Dead Redemption, if you're asking whether we'd ever make a movie based on our highly successful video game, I'd say, 'Why not?' But it would have to be special."
This comes after reports that the Red Dead Redemption 2 prequel may be delayed into 2022.
