Horizon Movie: PlayStation's Next Big Screen Hit?

Following the successful cinematic adaptation of Uncharted in 2022 and the phenomenal HBO series based on The Last of Us, a film adaptation of Horizon Zero Dawn was inevitable. PlayStation Studios and Columbia Pictures have officially confirmed a movie is in development, promising to bring Aloy's origin story and the game's breathtaking, machine-filled world to the big screen. While still in early stages, this adaptation has the potential to be Sony's first major video game box office triumph—provided it remains faithful to the source material.

Recent years have witnessed a surge in successful video game adaptations across film and television. The Super Mario Bros. and Sonic movies, both family-friendly hits, set a high bar for critical acclaim and box office performance. On television, Sony's The Last of Us joins Netflix's Arcane and Amazon Prime's Fallout as fan favorites. Even adaptations receiving mixed reviews have achieved financial success; the Tom Holland-led Uncharted movie grossed over $400 million.

Despite the decline of the "video game curse," challenges persist. Uncharted, while popular, deviated significantly from the games. Conversely, last year's Borderlands film and Amazon's Like a Dragon: Yakuza series underperformed critically and commercially, largely due to their disregard for the source material's storylines, lore, and tone. They failed to capture the essence of the worlds fans loved.

These failures highlight a broader issue in adaptations. Netflix's The Witcher, for instance, significantly altered the books' events, characters, and tone. While adaptations necessitate changes, these examples feel like entirely different entities. This disappoints fans—the pre-built audience—and often foreshadows the project's downfall.

The Horizon movie isn't the first screen adaptation attempt. In 2022, Netflix announced a series, sparking rumors of a "Horizon 2074" project set before the apocalypse. This polarized fans who desired a faithful adaptation of the original game's successful storyline and iconic robotic creatures, a setting a pre-apocalypse story wouldn't feature. Fortunately, that Netflix project is canceled, and the focus is now on a theatrical release.

The shift to a film is strategic. The high CGI requirements of any Horizon adaptation necessitate a larger budget, maximizing the potential to bring the story and world to life on the big screen.

If the Horizon film emulates the success of The Last of Us, it could be PlayStation's first major cinematic win. Fallout, Arcane, and The Last of Us succeeded by faithfully extending their source material, respecting visuals, tone, and narrative. Gamers value authenticity. While The Last of Us introduced new storylines, it remained true to the game's structure, resonating with fans and newcomers alike. Similarly, a faithful Horizon adaptation has the potential for similar success.

Faithfulness isn't solely about fan expectations. Horizon Zero Dawn won Best Narrative at The Game Awards 2017 and Outstanding Achievement in Story at the 2018 DICE Awards, highlighting the story's quality. Set in 31st-century North America, it follows Aloy, a Nora tribeswoman, as she unravels her origins and connection to Elisabet Sobeck, her doppelganger. Aloy, along with allies Erend and Varl, are compelling characters, their relationships deeply explored across both games. The narrative further delves into past attempts to save Earth's climate and the rogue AI that created the robotic creatures. The enigmatic Sylens adds intrigue and mystery.

The intricate worldbuilding, featuring diverse tribes and settlements, creates a unique and immersive setting ripe for cinematic adaptation. Like James Cameron's Avatar explored Na'vi culture, a Horizon film could delve into the Nora tribe's survival strategies. The game's unique combat encounters, featuring creatures like Sawtooths, Tallnecks, and Stormbirds, offer visually stunning potential. These elements, combined with rival tribes and the rogue AI Hades, create action and suspense—perfect ingredients for a compelling film adaptation.

Horizon's compelling story, if faithfully adapted, has the potential for critical and commercial success. Its unique world, timely themes, and cinematic aesthetic offer a rich tapestry for storytelling. The expansive narrative of Forbidden West provides a vast canvas for a long-term franchise. The opportunity exists to create a film franchise that matches the success of the games, captivating gamers worldwide for years to come.

Maintaining the game's successful elements is crucial for a compelling adaptation. With more Sony titles slated for film and TV adaptations (Ghost of Tsushima, Helldivers 2), this approach could establish PlayStation's success in a new medium. However, deviating from what made Horizon great risks negative fan reaction and financial difficulties, as seen with Borderlands. Sony must recognize the potential of Horizon and deliver a faithful and successful adaptation.