Netflix’s long-awaited BioShock movie, based on the iconic 2007 video game set in the dystopian underwater city of Rapture, is gaining traction after years of challenges. Announced in February 2022 with Francis Lawrence (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire) as director, the project faced delays due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike and Netflix leadership changes. In a recent IGN interview, Lawrence shared an optimistic update, highlighting progress on the “tricky” adaptation.
BioShock, developed by Irrational Games and published by 2K Games, is celebrated for its immersive story and philosophical depth, following protagonist Jack as he uncovers Rapture’s dark secrets. Adapting its intricate narrative has proven difficult, with a previous attempt by Pirates of the Caribbean director Gore Verbinski collapsing due to budget issues. Lawrence acknowledged the challenges, telling IGN, “It’s a tricky adaptation, so there’s lots of things to figure out and to get right.” Despite this, he stated, “I think we’re in a pretty good place, honestly.”
Lawrence revealed that a fresh script draft from screenwriter Justin Rhodes (Terminator: Dark Fate) arrived recently, with a meeting planned for May 7, 2025, to discuss it. This follows a shift from original writer Michael Green (Logan) and disruptions from the 2023 strike. Netflix’s new film head, Dan Lin, has pushed for a leaner budget, leading to a “much smaller version” of the film, as producer Roy Lee noted at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. Lee described the revised approach as “a more personal point of view” rather than a grand spectacle, potentially emphasizing Rapture’s intimate, psychological elements.
Lawrence emphasized fidelity to the source material, a priority shared by BioShock creator Ken Levine and Take-Two Interactive, both involved in the project. While plot details remain under wraps, the film aims to capture the game’s haunting atmosphere and themes of free will and societal collapse. The scaled-back scope may help avoid the pitfalls of other video game adaptations like Resident Evil, focusing on character-driven storytelling.
The BioShock movie joins a surge of video game adaptations, including HBO’s The Last of Us and Amazon’s Fallout. Netflix sees BioShock as a chance to shine in this genre, despite past hurdles. With Lawrence’s confidence and a new script in hand, the project is closer to reality, though no release date or casting details have been announced.
Lawrence’s update that the project has “stalled out and re-energized” but is now in a good place offers hope for fans. Meanwhile, BioShock fans face a longer wait for BioShock 4, with concept artist Ben Mauro teasing a distant release date. As the movie nears reality, it could bring Rapture to life before the next game, potentially becoming a standout if it navigates its tricky path.
Source: IGN
