Yes, that’s right folks. You’re not reading the headline incorrectly. Lionsgate today announced that it has optioned film rights from Deep Silver to develop a feature film based on the Zombie action RPG, Dead Island.
The primary inspiration for the big screen adaptation will be the fantastic CGI announcement trailer that was released back in February 2011. Even though the trailer didn’t full represent the game itself, it caught the attention of many following its release, and it seems like Lionsgate were one of the many admirers.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrbkrtNce8c[/youtube]
Lionsgate’s co-COO and Motion Picture Group President Joe Drake had this to say regarding the announcement:
“Like the hundreds of journalists and millions of fans who were so passionate and vocal about the Dead Island trailer, we too were awestruck. This is exactly the type of property we’re looking to adapt at Lionsgate – it’s sophisticated, edgy, and a true elevation of a genre that we know and love. It also has built in brand recognition around the world, and franchise potential.”
According the official press release, the big screen adaptation of Dead Island “will be an innovation of the zombie genre because of its focus on human emotion, family ties and non-linear storytelling”.
No release date has announced, but Lionsgate have stated that the film is currently in the early stages of development with Sean Daniel (The Mummy, Tombstone, Dazed and Confused) spearheading production.
What do you guys think of this announcement? Would you head on over to your local cinema to watch Dead Island? As always, let us know via the comment section below.
