Horizon: PlayStation's Potential Blockbuster if True to Games

Following the successful cinematic adaptations of Uncharted and the critically acclaimed HBO series The Last of Us, Sony has officially announced a film adaptation of Horizon Zero Dawn. This project, developed in collaboration with PlayStation Studios and Columbia Pictures, promises to bring Aloy’s compelling origin story and the game’s vibrant, machine-filled world to life on the big screen. Although still in its early stages, the potential for this film to become Sony’s first major video game success at the box office is high, provided it remains faithful to the original games.

Recent years have showcased a variety of successful video game adaptations across both film and television. Family-friendly hits like The Super Mario Brothers and Sonic films have set the benchmark for both critical acclaim and box office performance. On television, Sony’s The Last of Us has joined the ranks of fan favorites such as Netflix’s Arcane and Amazon Prime’s Fallout. Even adaptations with mixed reviews, such as the Tom Holland-led Uncharted movie, have managed to surpass $400 million at the box office.

However, despite the fading stigma of the "video game curse," challenges still exist in this genre. While Uncharted found its audience, it diverged significantly from the original game, disappointing many fans. More recent adaptations like Borderlands and Amazon’s Like a Dragon: Yakuza series have also struggled, failing to capture the essence of their source material in terms of storyline, lore, and tone.

Horizon's unique robotic ecosystems would be incredible to witness on the big screen.

This issue extends beyond video game adaptations; it is a broader challenge in the world of adaptations. For instance, Netflix’s The Witcher has taken significant creative liberties, altering the original books’ narratives and characters, and shifting the overall tone. While adaptations often require adjustments to suit their new medium, these changes can alienate fans of the original work, leading to the project’s eventual failure.

Returning to Horizon, it’s worth noting that this isn’t the first attempt to bring the franchise to the screen. In 2022, Netflix announced a series based on the game, with rumors of a "Horizon 2074" project set in the pre-apocalypse era. This direction was met with mixed reactions from fans, who were eager for a story that remained true to the original game’s success, complete with its iconic robotic creatures. Fortunately, the Netflix project is no longer in development, and Horizon is now slated for a cinematic release. This shift to a movie format is promising, as the increased budget could better capture the game’s visual splendor and complex world.

If Horizon receives the same meticulous adaptation as The Last of Us did on television, there’s every reason to believe it could become PlayStation’s first major cinematic triumph. The success of Fallout, Arcane, and The Last of Us highlights the importance of staying true to the source material’s visuals, tone, and narrative. These adaptations have resonated with both fans and newcomers by maintaining an authentic connection to their original games. While The Last of Us did introduce new storylines, it largely adhered to the game’s narrative structure, resulting in a critically acclaimed show.

Staying faithful to Horizon Zero Dawn is not just about meeting fan expectations; it’s about honoring a story that has been widely acclaimed. The game won the Best Narrative award at The Game Awards in 2017 and the Outstanding Achievement in Story at the 2018 DICE awards. Set in the 31st century in North America, the story follows Aloy, a member of the Nora Tribe, as she uncovers the mystery of her origins and her connection to the old-world scientist Elisabet Sobeck, her doppelganger. The characters and the world are richly developed, with Aloy serving as a compelling protagonist and her allies Erend and Varl providing depth through their well-crafted relationships. The narrative also delves into humanity’s attempts to combat climate change, introducing the rogue AI that created the game’s robotic creatures. The enigmatic Sylens adds further intrigue to the story.

The unique cultures of Horizon's world could prove as compelling as Avatar's Na'vi tribes.

The intricate world-building in Horizon Zero Dawn offers a rich canvas for a film franchise. Similar to James Cameron’s Avatar series, which explores the culture of the Na'vi tribes, a Horizon film could delve into the traditions and survival strategies of tribes like the Nora. The game’s unique combat encounters, featuring creatures like the saber-tooth tiger-like Sawtooths, the towering Tallnecks, and the sky-bound Stormbirds, promise visually stunning scenes. Combined with the presence of rival tribes and the rogue AI Hades, these elements ensure a narrative filled with action and suspense, perfect for cinematic adaptation.

Horizon’s story is inherently cinematic and, if adapted faithfully, has the potential to be a critical and commercial success. The game’s unique world, timely themes, and fresh aesthetic set it apart from other potential franchises. With the expanded narrative of Horizon Forbidden West, there’s ample material for a long-term cinematic series. If the film can preserve the elements that made the game a success, it lays a solid foundation for a compelling adaptation.

As Sony continues to adapt more titles like Ghost of Tsushima and Helldivers 2 into films and TV series, maintaining fidelity to the original works is crucial for success in this new medium. Straying from what made Horizon great could result in fan backlash and financial difficulties, as seen with Borderlands. By recognizing the strengths of Horizon and staying true to its core, Sony, along with its chosen writers and directors, can create a film that both honors the game and captivates audiences worldwide.