Sony Pictures is developing a tentpole film around “Metal Gear Solid,” the nearly 40-year-old video game franchise that’s never been adapted for the screen.
“Final Destination: Bloodlines” directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein are tackling the project for studio label Columbia, part of a first-look production deal the directors just signed. Lipovsky and Stein are hot off the runaway success of the latest “Final Destination” film, which reinvigorated the long-running horror series and earned over $315 million worldwide for New Line Cinema.
“Zach and Adam are thrilling storytellers, masters of visuals and suspense, and two of the most impressive director/producers working today. With projects across all the company’s film labels, we are so happy to create a home for them, and proud to have them as part of the Sony family,” said Sanford Panitch, Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group President. Lipovsky and Stein’s company Wonderlab, which is in the process of recruiting executive leadership, will focus on “wildly fun, commercial, character-driven, genre-bending films.”
Avi Arad and Ari Arad will produce the “Metal Gear” film. The game is a special-ops first person adventure where players seek to destroy the titular weapon of mass destruction — a bot capable of launching nuclear attacks.
The first-look deal, which covers all of Sony’s film labels, furthers Lipovsky and Stein’s relationship with the studio. They’re developing multiple projects across banners, including an animated “Venom” movie for Sony Pictures Animation. They were previously announced as producing and directing the original sci-fi concept “The Earthling,” from alongside producers Eric Heisserer (“Arrival”) and Scott Glassgold.
“As long term fans of the game, we are thrilled and honored to bring Hideo Kojima’s iconic characters and unforgettable world to life,” the directing duo said, “we are honored to be partnering with the incredible executive team at Sony. While working with several Sony teams in the last year, we’ve been blown away by the level of creativity, thoughtfulness, and passion we felt in every conversation. We share the vision that Tom, Sanford, Peter, Louie, Kristine and Damien, Ashley and the whole Sony team have for creating theatrical event films that entertain the world.”
Lipovsky and Stein are repped by Verve, Ground Control, and lawyer Jamie Feldman.
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From Variety US