The director of John Wick is about to do something different.
Chad Stahelski, who has helmed every film in the John Wick franchise, has signed on to direct a feature-length adaptation of the popular Sony video game Ghost of Tsushima.
Deadline broke the news that Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions are developing an adaptation of the open-world action adventure game Ghost of Tsushima.
In a statement following the announcement, Asad Qizilbash, Head of PlayStation Productions, said:
“We’re excited to be partnering with Chad and 87Eleven Entertainment, to bring their vision of Jin’s story to the big screen. We love working with creative partners like Chad, who have a passion for our games, ensuring we can create rich adaptations that will excite our fans and new audiences.”
Ghost of Tsushima became a major sensation last year when it debuted. It racked up 6.5 million in sales, won several awards, and, perhaps the best thing to have happened, it led to its fans contributing to the restoration of a Torii gate on the Japanese island of Tsushima, in Nagasaki prefecture, after it had been damaged in a typhoon in September 2020.
The PlayStation exclusive focuses on “the samurai warrior Jin Sakai, the last surviving member of his clan, who must set aside tradition to protect Tsushima Island during the first Mongol invasion of Japan.”
The game was developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment and notably took inspiration from the films of Akira Kurosawa (there’s an option to play in “Kurosawa mode”, i.e., black-and-white).
Now, for those who walk the inner halls of the SAW offices, you might be familiar with Ghost of Tsushima despite not owning a PlayStation or giving a damn about video games. That’s because Sailor Monsoon wouldn’t shut up about how good the game was until everyone had gone out and bought a copy. And while it pains me to admit this, it is a pretty great video game. I’ve always been a sucker for a good open world game and this one does not disappoint.
Seriously, go pick up a copy of Ghost of Tsushima and start playing. You’ll soon see why Sony wants to turn this into a film franchise. And if, for some reason, you own an Xbox instead of a PlayStation, throw that garbage of a console in the trash where it belongs and go out and buy the PlayStation 5 (if you can find one). You’ll thank me later.
Have you played Ghost of Tsushima? Do you think it will make a good film or does the open-world concept of the video game make it harder to adapt? Tell us your thoughts down in the comments!
