As a seasoned movie critic who grew up in the 80s and 90s, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia hearing about Apple’s plans for an Oregon Trail movie. This isn’t just any game we’re talking about; it’s the game that taught us the harsh realities of pioneer life, the game that made us fear dysentery more than any villain in a horror flick.
Get ready to haul out the Conestoga wagons and round up the settlers, as it’s been confirmed that a movie adaptation of the classic Oregon Trail game is in development at Apple! Yes, I’m talking about the very same Oregon Trail, the pioneer-themed text-based strategy game that premiered in 1971. You take on the role of an adventurer in 1847, embarking on a perilous journey from Missouri to Oregon, where you hunt, gather resources, and strive to avoid starvation and diseases like dysentery throughout your journey.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film adaptation of Oregon Trail is currently at its initial stages, with Will Speck and Josh Gordon (known for “Blades of Glory” and “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile”) attached as both director and producer. This project appears to be an action-comedy, boasting a few musical numbers and original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Max Reisman (“The Millers”) and The Lucas Brothers (“Judas and the Black Messiah”) are set to write the screenplay, while Caroline Fraser will produce through HarperCollins Productions.
Originally created by Don Rawitsch, Bill Heinemann, and Paul Dillenberger, Oregon Trail started off modestly but gained significant popularity over time, even achieving a near-cult following. This educational computer game found its way into classrooms nationwide and was eventually released on platforms like the Apple II, Atari 8-bit computers, and the Commodore 64. As technology evolved, it moved away from text-based strategy towards incorporating graphics. Its enduring popularity led to a series of spin-offs such as Oregon Trail II, The Oregon Trail: Gold Rush, The Oregon Trail: American Settler mobile game, and The Oregon Trail: Journey to Willamette Valley board game launched in 2018. The latest version can now be purchased on major gaming platforms like PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Video Game Adaptations Are All the Rage These Days
For decades, Hollywood has shown a fondness for video games, starting with films like Super Mario Bros., Street Fighter, Double Dragon, and Mortal Kombat in the early ’90s. However, this interest has never been as intense as it is now. The 2023 release of The Super Mario Bros. Movie broke box office records by earning an astounding $1.3 billion. Consequently, studio executives from Los Angeles to London are eager to capitalize on this trend, carefully choosing which games they believe should be turned into movies next.
In the year 2025, we can expect four adaptations to be unveiled, such as “Until Dawn”, a “Minecraft Movie”, and the continuations of “Mortal Kombat” (2021) and “Five Nights at Freddy’s”. Following these releases in 2026 will be adaptations of “Watch Dogs” and “Street Fighter”. At present, an impressive 30 Intellectual Properties are being developed, each in different stages.
Despite uncertainty about the success of an Oregon Trail remake, if it boasts a fitting ensemble, it could prove to be quite entertaining. Imagine Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart debating whether the sun rises or sets in the west, or perhaps Steve Carell and Amy Adams arguing over which of their children deserves the last bit of rabbit. Though it may sound preposterous, there’s undeniably potential for Apple to achieve a box office hit with this project, especially when considering that many of their other original films have been finding it difficult to attract audiences.
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2024-10-28 17:31