Netflix’s ‘BioShock’ Movie Update: Director Confirms It’s Full Steam Ahead!

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In a location beyond the ocean horizon, we’ll eventually have the chance to watch the Netflix adaptation of BioShock. Originally conceived by Ken Levine and published by 2k studios in 2007, BioShock is one of many video game adaptations that have been planned and announced, aiming to replicate the success of HBO’s The Last of Us and the Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise. Netflix’s adaptation boasts some impressive talent, with Francis Lawrence, known for directing The Hunger Games and Constantine, set at the helm. For years, this project has been in development limbo, but recently, Lawrence shared an update – we’re heading to Rapture!

In an interview with Collider for the 4k re-release of Constantine starring Keanu Reeves, Lawrence spoke about the progress of the BioShock film and stated that he is still involved in its development. “I haven’t let go,” he said, expressing his continued enthusiasm for the project. The BioShock video game series enjoys a massive following of dedicated fans, setting high standards for Lawrence’s forthcoming movie adaptation.

“Yes, we’re still working on that one, that’s one also that I’m very excited about.”

Lawrence’s latest report echoes the information shared earlier about the BioShock film. Back in July at San Diego Comic-Con, Roy Lee, the producer of BioShock, discussed the project’s progress with Collider. He mentioned that due to a change in leadership at Netflix, the planned scale and budget for the movie have been reduced since its initial announcement in 2022. “It was initially developed under the previous management,” Lee explained. “The new management has cut back on some projects’ budgets, so we are now making a smaller version of the movie. However, it is still set to be made with Frances Lawrence directing.”

‘BioShock’s Long Road to the Big Screen

The announcement of Netflix adapting BioShock into a series dates back to 2022, but the franchise has a rich history spanning many years, with various filmmakers and studios trying to bring it to cinemas. The initial attempt at adapting BioShock came in 2008 when Universal took up the challenge to create Rapture for live-action. Gore Verbinski, director of Pirates of the Caribbean, was initially set to direct the film, but Juan Carlos Fresnadillo from 28 Weeks Later stepped in after Verbinski’s departure a year later. However, this project was ultimately scrapped in 2013 due to financial issues regarding the budget.

For those unfamiliar with it (or those not influenced by it, as in the context of BioShock), the series is a thought-provoking critique of extreme capitalism and libertarianism. The narrative revolves around Jack, who stumbles upon the secret underwater city of Rapture after his plane crashes into the ocean, created by the wealthy entrepreneur Andrew Ryan. Details about Francis Lawrence’s film are still under wraps. However, fans can anticipate a similar theme from the description of the initial video game, which goes as follows:

[The original game’s description]

In the year 1960, a solitary figure named Jack – the sole survivor from a plane wreck – stumbles upon an uninhabited underwater paradise. However, as he delves deeper into its origins, he comes to realize that the secret behind its establishment is far more menacing than he initially assumed.

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2025-02-12 16:33