Sony Pictures is developing a major movie based on the nearly 40-year-old video game series Metal Gear Solid, which has never been made into a movie.
Final Destination: Bloodline directors Zach Lipofsky and Adam B. Stein are working on the project for studio label Columbia, as part of a first-look production deal they just signed. Lipofsky and Stein are enthused by the huge success of their latest film, Final Destination, which reinvigorated the long-running horror franchise and grossed more than $315 million worldwide for New Line Cinema.
“Zack and Adam are thrilling storytellers, masters of cinematography and suspense, and two of the most impressive directors and producers working today. With projects across all of our film labels, we are thrilled to be able to call them a home and are proud to welcome them to the Sony family,” said Sanford Panitch, president of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group. Mr. Lipofsky and Mr. Stein’s company, WonderLab, is hiring executives and will focus on “highly entertaining, commercial, character-driven, genre-bending films.”
Avi Arad and Ali Arad will produce the Metal Gear movie. The game is a first-person special operations adventure in which players aim to destroy weapons of mass destruction, robots capable of launching nuclear attacks.
The first-look deal covers all of Sony’s film labels and further strengthens Lipovsky and Stein’s relationship with the studio. They have multiple projects in development across their banners, including the animated film Venom for Sony Pictures Animation. They were previously announced to produce and direct the original sci-fi concept, The Earthling, with producers Eric Heisserer (Arrival) and Scott Glasgold.
“As long-time fans of the game, we are excited and honored to bring Hideo Kojima’s iconic characters and unforgettable world to life. We are honored to partner with the incredible management team at Sony. Having worked with several Sony teams over the last year, we have I was blown away by the level of creativity, thoughtfulness and passion I felt with each story. We share Tom, Sanford, Peter, Louis, Christine and Damian’s vision.” Ashley and the entire Sony team are committed to producing theatrical event films that entertain the world. ”
Lipofsky and Stein are repped by Verve, Ground Control, and attorney Jamie Feldman.
