Take-Two Aims for Selectivity and Caution in GTA Film Adaptations

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed caution and selectivity when it comes to adapting video game franchises like GTA or Red Dead Redemption into movies. Zelnick, who has prior experience at 20th Century Fox, emphasized the difficulty of creating a successful film. During a recent earnings call, Zelnick mentioned that Take-Two has already licensed Borderlands to Lionsgate, with a film in the works, and that they are also looking forward to a BioShock adaptation. Additionally, Zelnick revealed ongoing discussions for potential adaptations, but stressed the importance of being cautious and discerning in their selection process.

The CEO discussed the risks and rewards of licensing one of Take-Two's franchises, such as GTA, to a studio. He emphasized that even if the movie is successful, the video game company will only receive a small portion of the profits. Conversely, if the movie fails, there is a potential risk of damaging the underlying intellectual property. Therefore, the CEO described it as a challenging proposition.

The Borderlands movie is scheduled to debut in theaters on August 9, 2024. This project has faced obstacles along the way, with the completion of filming in 2021 and subsequent reshoots involving director Tim Miller earlier this year. Notable cast members of Borderlands include Cate Blanchett, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Black, and Kevin Hart.

The BioShock film is not as progressed as the Borderlands film. Netflix announced the BioShock movie in early 2022, and writer Michael Green expressed his enthusiasm to explore the "vast, nightmarish world". Video game movies have been immensely successful at the box office in recent years. Five Nights at Freddy's, for instance, earned over $200 million with a reported budget of only $20 million. Following the global success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Nintendo has announced plans for a live-action Zelda film.

As for Take-Two, the next GTA game will get an official trailer next month.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of the GTA series, I have mixed feelings about the news that Take-Two is cautiously approaching film adaptations. On the one hand, I am excited about the potential for these films to bring the beloved video games to life on the big screen. On the other hand, I am concerned that the films may not live up to the high standards set by the games.

I think it is wise for Take-Two to be selective and cautious in their approach to film adaptations. The company has a lot to lose if the films are not successful, both in terms of financial losses and damage to the GTA brand. I am confident that Take-Two will make the right decisions in choosing which games to adapt and which filmmakers to work with.

I am particularly interested in the upcoming Borderlands movie. The game has a rich story and memorable characters, and I think it has the potential to make a great film. I am also excited about the potential for a BioShock film. The game's unique setting and dark atmosphere would make for a visually stunning and thought-provoking film.

Overall, I am cautiously optimistic about the future of GTA film adaptations. I believe that Take-Two has the potential to create films that are both faithful to the games and successful in their own right. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for these films.