Hollywood is experiencing a significant shift in its adaptation focus, moving away from comic books and towards video games, according to Mattson Tomlin, co-writer of The Batman 2. Tomlin stated on social media that he is now receiving at least five times more offers for video game adaptations than for comic book projects.
This change in industry interest comes as superhero movie dominance wanes. While blockbuster hits still emerge, the era of guaranteed success for any superhero property has ended, with both Marvel and DC facing recent box office struggles. In contrast, video game adaptations have seen considerable financial success in recent years. The top four highest-grossing video game movies of all time were all released within the last three years, including The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed $1.3 billion, and its sequel which earned over $1 billion. Minecraft also achieved nearly $1 billion at the box office, alongside successful releases like Sonic the Hedgehog and Five Nights at Freddy's.
Despite some video game movies underperforming, such as Mortal Kombat 2 and Until Dawn, the overall trend indicates Hollywood's strong commitment to this genre. Tomlin noted that while he is no longer involved with the Mega Man movie, he believes it could still see the light of day due to the current industry climate. He expressed hope for its eventual production, mentioning that his drafts explored an emotional and surprising narrative.
The slate for upcoming video game movie adaptations is extensive. Resident Evil is set for release in September, followed by Street Fighter in October. 2027 is slated to bring The Angry Birds Movie 3, Sonic the Hedgehog 4, The Legend of Zelda, A Minecraft Movie Squared, and Helldivers. Looking further ahead to 2028, filming is underway for the Elden Ring movie, with potential releases for Call of Duty, Battlefield, and a rumored Donkey Kong film. Super Mario Movie 3 is anticipated in 2029, and other projects like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Horizon Zero Dawn, Gears of War, Death Stranding, and Metal Gear Solid are also in various stages of development. This indicates a future where video game characters and franchises may increasingly drive Hollywood's biggest releases.