The world of cinema is evolving, and video game adaptations are taking center stage. Set to captivate audiences this October is Five Nights at Freddy’s, an adaptation of the immensely popular video game. This film has been under the spotlight for a few years, facing numerous challenges like shifting scripts and a carousel of directors. But now, with the spotlight shining bright, it’s ready to terrify audiences across the globe.
Helming this highly-anticipated project is Emma Tammi. Not just directing, Tammi has also co-authored the screenplay, joining forces with Seth Cuddeback and the original mastermind behind the game, Scott Cawthon. And if that wasn’t promising enough, the production has the backing of industry heavyweights like Jason Blum and Cawthon himself.
In a fresh conversation with DiscussingFilm, Jason Blum sat with James Wan while promoting their latest horror offering, Insidious: The Red Door. Blum, ever the opportunist, drew parallels with the smashing success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. He voiced his optimism, hoping that Five Nights at Freddy’s would follow in its path.
In the interview, Blum shared, “Well, I think the right video games make great source material for movies. I mean, you saw that even with [The Super Mario Bros. Movie]. It’s a different genre, but it was an amazingly successful movie. And I certainly hope that’s the case [with Five Nights at Freddy’s]. James is actually a big gamer and we have a games division of our company that we’ve been working on. I’m definitely looking forward to finding more games that are popular and that we could turn into horror movies.“
The Future of Video Game Movies with Blumhouse
The collaboration between Blum and Wan is already sparking interest in another video game-inspired project. Reports suggest that they’re setting the stage for a cinematic rendition of Dead by Daylight, working hand-in-hand with the game’s developers. Blum’s dedication to adapting this game was evident when he said, “We know there are so many fans of Dead by Daylight out there and think it’s imperative we find someone who appreciates and loves the world as much as we do, to help us bring the game to the big screen. We know our partners at Behaviour and Atomic Monster will help us bring the best version of this game to life.”
The success of Five Nights at Freddy’s might just be the catalyst needed to fuel a new era of video game cinema at Blumhouse. The trend is unmistakable. Multiple studios are boarding the video game movie train, given the past triumphs. Horror enthusiasts can look forward to a sequel of Silent Hill, and there’s also chatter about an upcoming film inspired by the zombie game Days Gone. Moreover, the list of game-to-movie adaptations in the pipeline includes big names like Borderlands, Minecraft, and BioShock.
Conclusion
Five Nights at Freddy’s promises a thrilling cinematic experience when it premieres on Oct. 27, 2023. It stands as a testament to how video games, once a niche entertainment medium, are now being recognized as treasure troves for storytelling in cinema. With the rise of such adaptations, we can only anticipate a future where the lines between gaming and cinema blur, offering audiences immersive experiences like never before.
