Amidst the spectrum of video game adaptations, Jack Black’s aspiration for a Red Dead movie sparks intrigue and anticipation. While some adaptations like the Milla Jovovich-led Resident Evil films maintain a cult following, others falter, such as the recent Welcome to Raccoon City. Sony’s Uncharted adaptation may suffice, yet it pales in comparison to the promise held by HBO’s The Last of Us series.
Standing out among the hits is the record-breaking success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, a triumphant animated venture by Illumination that rejuvenated the IP’s reputation. This victory, coupled with the Sonic movies and the unexpected triumph of Five Nights at Freddy’s, challenges the notion of a cursed fate for video game adaptations.
However, amidst the buzz of upcoming adaptations like God of War, Fallout, Ghost of Tsushima, and Mass Effect, two glaring omissions remain: the absence of GTA and Red Dead Redemption movies. Jack Black, known for his roles in The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Eli Roth’s Borderlands as Boswer and Claptrap, respectively, voices his disbelief at the oversight. “I can’t believe they haven’t already started making a movie of any of the Rockstar Games,” Black remarks, singling out Red Dead for its cinematic potential.
Black envisions a novel approach for a Red Dead adaptation, drawing inspiration from Black Mirror’s interactive film “Bandersnatch.” He proposes an interactive series format where viewers make decisions akin to choosing their own adventure, infusing a new dimension of engagement into the storytelling process.
While Black’s idea may be ambitious for a film, it aligns seamlessly with the narrative depth of a TV series. Drawing parallels to Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy’s Westworld and envisioning the caliber of talent HBO could assemble, the potential for a Red Dead series is tantalizing. The rich legacy of HBO’s Deadwood serves as a testament to the narrative richness that could be explored in a Red Dead adaptation.
Though rumors swirl regarding a potential Red Dead Redemption 3, official plans for a Red Dead movie or series remain elusive. Nonetheless, with Jack Black’s fervent advocacy for the cowboy saga, his portrayal of Uncle in such an adaptation seems like a natural fit. As the industry tiptoes toward a new era of hybrid storytelling, the prospect of a Red Dead adaptation stands as a beacon of excitement and possibility.
https://www.rnada.com/archives/12630
https://www.rnada.com/archives/12590
https://www.rnada.com/archives/12164