Following the successful cinematic adaptation of *Uncharted* in 2022 and the critically acclaimed HBO series *The Last of Us*, a *Horizon* movie was inevitable. PlayStation Studios and Columbia Pictures have officially confirmed a film adaptation of *Horizon Zero Dawn*, bringing Aloy's origin story and the game's breathtaking, machine-filled world to the big screen. While still in early development, this movie has the potential to be Sony's first major video game box office triumph—provided it stays true to the source material.
Recent years have witnessed numerous successful video game adaptations on both the big and small screens. The *Super Mario Bros.* and *Sonic* movies, geared towards family audiences, set a high bar for critical acclaim and box office success. On television, Sony's *The Last of Us* joins *Arcane* and *Fallout* as fan favorites. Even adaptations with mixed reviews have achieved box office success, like the Tom Holland-led *Uncharted* film, which grossed over $400 million.
However, challenges remain. While the "video game curse" is largely a thing of the past, issues persist. *Uncharted*, despite its audience appeal, wasn't the faithful adaptation many fans hoped for. Similarly, *Borderlands* and Amazon's *Like a Dragon: Yakuza* series underperformed critically and at the box office due to their significant deviations from the source material's storylines, lore, and tone. They failed to capture the essence of the games that captivated fans.
These failures highlight a broader issue with adaptations. *Netflix's The Witcher*, for instance, took considerable liberties with its source material, altering events, characters, and overall tone. While adaptations require adjustments for a new medium, these examples feel like entirely different entities. This disappoints fans of the original work—the pre-built audience—and often signals the adaptation's potential failure.
The *Horizon* movie isn't the first attempt at bringing the game to screens. Netflix's cancelled 2022 series and rumors of a "Horizon 2074" project set before the apocalypse proved divisive among fans. Many desired a faithful adaptation of the game's successful storyline and iconic robotic creatures, a pre-apocalypse setting lacking the latter.
Fortunately, the Netflix project is defunct, and *Horizon* is now a feature film. This is a wise move, given the heavy CGI required. A Hollywood movie's larger budget is crucial for realizing the story and world's potential on the big screen.
If the *Horizon* film receives the same care as *The Last of Us*, success is highly likely. The success of *Fallout*, *Arcane*, and *The Last of Us* demonstrates the importance of faithfulness to the source material's visuals, tone, and story. Gamers value authenticity. *The Last of Us* added new storylines, but remained true to the game's narrative structure, resonating with both fans and newcomers. Similarly, a faithful *Horizon* adaptation could be PlayStation's first cinematic win.
Faithfulness isn't just about fan expectations; *Horizon Zero Dawn* won numerous awards for its narrative. Set in 31st-century North America, it follows Aloy, a Nora tribeswoman, as she unravels the mystery of her origins and their connection to Elisabet Sobeck, her doppelganger. Aloy, Erend, and Varl are compelling characters, and their relationships are richly developed across both games. The story explores past attempts to save Earth's climate and the rogue AI that created the robotic creatures. The enigmatic Sylens adds further intrigue.
The intricate worldbuilding, with its diverse tribes and settlements, offers compelling cinematic potential. Like *Avatar*'s exploration of Na'vi culture, a *Horizon* film could delve into the Nora tribe's survival strategies. The unique combat encounters, featuring creatures like Sawtooths, Tallnecks, and Stormbirds, offer visually stunning action sequences. These elements, along with rival tribes and those loyal to Hades, create a world ripe for cinematic adaptation.
*Horizon*'s compelling story, if faithfully adapted, has the potential for critical and box office success. Its unique world, timely themes, and cinematic aesthetic provide a strong foundation. The expansive story of *Forbidden West* offers further potential for a long-term franchise. This could be a major success for Sony, matching the original games' popularity.
A successful adaptation requires preserving the elements that made the game a success. With other Sony titles like *Ghost of Tsushima* and *Helldivers 2* slated for adaptation, this approach could establish PlayStation's success in a new medium. However, deviating from what made *Horizon* great could lead to negative fan reception and financial difficulties. Sony must recognize the potential and do justice to the *Horizon* franchise.
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