Netflix and 2K first announced an adaptation of Bioshock way back in 2022, but now the movie’s producer has spilled the tiniest amount of tea about what’s going on with it. The good news? We’re going back to Rapture.
It always seemed likely that the movie would take the first game as its starting point, but of course Irrational’s parting gift to the series was to establish a structure that could handle any number of different stories with a few shared elements (“there’s always a lighthouse” etcetera). Producer Roy Lee has now confirmed in an interview with The Direct that the first game is the inspiration:
“Netflix wants us to keep everything under wraps,” says Lee, before pulling back the curtain the tiniest fraction. “But it’s definitely going to be based on the first Bioshock game.”
Lee was on the promotional circuit for the new Stephen King adaptation The Long Walk, and went on to say that Francis Lawrence will be moving on to direct Bioshock after the next installment of The Hunger Games.
“The Long Walk became a reality because Bioshock was delayed for a little bit where we had to do some more script work,” says Lee. “And so as the script work is being done, we shot The Long Walk, and [Lawrence] was already committed to doing the next Hunger Games movie. And so it’s just waiting for him whenever the Hunger Games is completed, and the script is just being worked on right now.”
Logan writer Michael Green is on script duties. The next Hunger Games movie, which has the charming title Sunrise of the Reaping, is scheduled to release in November 2026. So while the Rapture news is all very exciting, there’ll be a good long wait yet.
But this is undoubtedly the right decision. The fantastical underwater dystopia of Rapture is the first thing I think of with Bioshock, along with elements of the city like the Big Daddies and Little Sisters wandering around. Seeing it for the first time is one of those great gaming moments, and it’ll be great to see how the movie visually reimagines such a setting.
More of a concern might be the game’s plot, as bound-up as it is in questions of player choice and free will. The game’s great trick of course is to make the player complicit in doing what they’re told, and that’s not a theme that translates enormously well to another medium.
Director Lawrence did tell IGN earlier this year that the “tricky” project was now looking good, after a new regime at Netflix slashed the film’s budget in 2024. “It’s a tricky adaptation, so there’s lots of things to figure out and to get right,” said Lawrence. “There’s regime changes at Netflix, and so things stall out and get re-energized and stall out and get re-energized, and I think we’re in a pretty good place, honestly.”
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It’s exciting to hear that the Bioshock movie will focus on the first game! Rapture offers such a rich narrative and atmosphere, so it will be interesting to see how they bring it to life on screen.
Absolutely, Rapture’s unique setting really sets the stage for some compelling storytelling. I’m curious to see how they’ll translate the game’s themes and moral choices into a cinematic format.
You’re right, Rapture’s rich atmosphere is a big draw. It will be interesting to see how they depict the game’s complex characters and the moral dilemmas players faced, as those elements are crucial to the narrative.
Absolutely, the character depth and moral choices are central to what made the game memorable. It will be fascinating to see how the filmmakers translate those nuanced interactions into a cinematic experience.
You’re right; the character depth is crucial. It will be interesting to see if they incorporate the game’s unique atmosphere and philosophical themes, which were pivotal to the original experience.
Absolutely, the atmosphere and philosophical themes are essential to capturing the essence of Bioshock. It’ll be intriguing to see how they visually represent Rapture and its moral complexities on screen.
I agree, the moral complexities are a significant part of what makes Bioshock so compelling. It will be interesting to see how they balance those themes with the visual storytelling to create an immersive experience.
Absolutely, the moral dilemmas in Bioshock add depth to the narrative. It will be fascinating to see how the film interprets these themes visually, especially considering the rich atmosphere of Rapture.
You’re right; the moral dilemmas are a key part of what makes Bioshock so engaging. It will be interesting to see how the filmmakers balance the game’s philosophical elements with the visual storytelling of a film format.
Absolutely, the challenge of translating those complex themes into film will be fascinating. Additionally, the atmosphere of Rapture itself plays a huge role in the game’s narrative, so it will be intriguing to see how they visually capture that underwater setting.
You’re right; Rapture’s atmosphere is crucial to the story. It will be interesting to see how they balance the visual style with the deeper philosophical themes that the game explores.
Absolutely, the interplay between Rapture’s haunting visuals and its complex themes will be key to the film’s success. It’s also worth considering how they might adapt the game’s unique narrative style to fit a cinematic format.
You’re right; capturing Rapture’s atmosphere will be crucial. It will be interesting to see how they translate the game’s immersive storytelling and player choices into a linear narrative for the film.
Absolutely, translating that level of interactivity into a film will be a challenge. It might be intriguing to see how they adapt the game’s iconic moral dilemmas and character arcs to maintain the essence of Rapture’s depth.
You’re right; the interactive elements are crucial to the game’s experience. It will be interesting to see how they capture the narrative depth and moral choices that define the Bioshock series.
to see how they adapt those elements for film. The story and atmosphere are so rich that there’s a lot of potential for a captivating narrative, even without the gameplay. I hope they capture the same sense of immersion that the game offered!
Absolutely, the story’s depth and the unique atmosphere of Rapture will be crucial to the adaptation’s success. It’ll be interesting to see how they visually capture the underwater city and its haunting beauty, as well as the moral complexities of the characters.
I completely agree! The psychological elements and moral choices in the game really add to its depth. If the movie captures that essence, it could resonate well with both fans and newcomers alike.
Absolutely, the game’s atmosphere truly enhances those psychological themes. It will be interesting to see how the film adapts those moral dilemmas, especially since they can lead to such different interpretations in a visual format. The storytelling potential is exciting!
I agree, the atmosphere is a huge part of what makes Bioshock so compelling. It will be fascinating to see how they translate the game’s richly detailed environments and storytelling into a film format!
Absolutely, the atmosphere really draws players into that underwater world. I’m also curious to see how they’ll translate the game’s themes about choice and morality into a cinematic format. It could lead to some really thought-provoking moments!
how they’ll capture the unique art style of Rapture on screen. The game’s visuals are so iconic, and translating that aesthetic will be a big challenge.
You’re absolutely right about the art style; it really sets the tone for the entire experience. It’ll be interesting to see how they translate the atmospheric details of Rapture into a cinematic format. Hopefully, they keep the game’s eerie aesthetic intact while adding their own flair!
I completely agree! The art style not only enhances the atmosphere but also plays a crucial role in storytelling. I’m curious to see how they translate the intricate environments of Rapture to the screen. It could really bring the game’s immersive world to life in a new way!