ideo game movies are no longer a gamble. Now, studios are competing to secure major gaming franchises. The latest prize appears to be Battlefield.
Sony Pictures has emerged as the frontrunner to acquire a feature-film adaptation of Electronic Arts’ long-running military shooter franchise.
Michael B. Jordan is attached to produce the project. He could also star in the movie.
Christopher McQuarrie is also attached. He would write, direct and produce the film.
Several studios reportedly showed interest in the project. Sony then entered talks to secure the package.
Sony has not publicly commented on the negotiations.
Enter McQuarrie
Sony could work with one of Hollywood’s most established action filmmakers.
Christopher McQuarrie has built a strong reputation through the Mission: Impossible franchise.
He would write, direct and produce the Battlefield movie if the deal closes.
The studio has not revealed any plot details yet.
However, McQuarrie’s involvement points to an ambitious project. Sony could aim for a major theatrical release rather than a smaller streaming film.
Jordan attached
Michael B. Jordan is attached as a producer on the Battlefield adaptation.
He could also take a starring role in the movie. However, reports say his acting role will depend on several factors.
The project also has several other producers.
They include Jesse Stern from Electronic Arts and Carter Swan from Emerald Neon.
Roy Lee and Miri Yoon from Vertigo are also attached.
Elizabeth Raposo, president of Jordan’s Outlier Society, will also produce.
Why Battlefield?
The Battlefield franchise dates back to 2002.
The series began with Battlefield 1942. Since then, Electronic Arts has released games across different historical and modern military settings.
The franchise has also developed a reputation for large-scale multiplayer warfare.
The latest entry, Battlefield 6, arrived last year.
Industry reports cited by Variety and The Hollywood Reporter called it the franchise’s best-selling title.
That success could make Battlefield an attractive property for Sony.
A successful film could also introduce the franchise to a much wider audience.
Familiar rivalry
Although no deal has been officially announced, the move sets up an interesting situation in Hollywood.
Battlefield’s longtime rival, Call of Duty, is already being developed as a film adaptation, with Paramount moving forward on a big-screen version.
For years, the two franchises competed in the gaming world.
They may soon be competing in movie theatres as well.
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