Microsoft has confirmed that a live-action movie based on Rare's pirate adventure game Sea of Thieves is in development. The project is being produced by Destin Daniel Cretton, who also directed Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and is involved with the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day. However, Cretton is not expected to direct the Sea of Thieves film himself.
Xbox head of content Matt Booty explained that the core of Sea of Thieves is its player-driven and community-focused experience, suggesting the film will lean into this social and cooperative aspect rather than focusing on specific main characters or a traditional plot. Booty highlighted the game's established tone and its cooperative community as key elements that will likely inform the movie's direction.
Launched initially for PC and Xbox One in 2018, Sea of Thieves has maintained a consistent player base. The game expanded its reach in 2024 with a release on current-generation consoles and PlayStation 5, becoming a multi-platform title. Over the years, developer Rare has consistently updated the game with new content, including additional game areas, gameplay mechanics, and narrative quests. Previous expansions have featured notable crossovers, such as one with Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean and another for fans of the Monkey Island series.
While Rare has indicated plans to continue supporting Sea of Thieves for the foreseeable future, this marks the first official confirmation of a film adaptation. The news comes amidst reports of potential layoffs and studio restructuring within Xbox, though Microsoft has stated that leadership is exploring all options before finalizing such decisions.