The widely popular Just Cause video game series is getting a movie adaptation from John Wick writer Derek Kolstad. Even though video game movie adaptations have a supposed curse on them, Hollywood is not going to stop trying to make them work. There have been some failed attempts in the past, but there are several other properties in development with potential, and now Just Cause can be added to the list.
The first Just Cause game launched in 2006, and introduced gamers to a brand new open-world action/adventure franchise. The story follows Rico Rodriguez, an operative for the Agency, as he’s sent on dangerous, world-saving missions, mostly to stop a group known as The Black Hand. The video game franchise just saw Just Cause 4 hit store shelves at the end of last year, offering fans a thrilling new story and gameplay.
According to a new report from Deadline, the Just Cause franchise is now hoping to head to the big screen. The feature adaptation of the game will be written by Derek Kolstad, who’s best known for writing all three films in the John Wick franchise. The project hails from Constantin Film after striking a deal with Avalanche Studios and Square Enix, the game studios behind the video game property. Constantin Film reportedly hopes to move quickly on the project to find a director and star, with a 2020 start to production eyed.
The timing of this announcement is noteworthy on several fronts. First of all, hiring Kolstad to pen the script for a Just Cause movie - which could be a massive action blockbuster - comes on the heels of John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum being incredibly well received. His ability to build a world from the ground up and familiarity with action films will go a long way with Just Cause, while Constantin Films will need to find an action-oriented director to bring those elements to life. It also comes after Kolstad was previously announced to be writing Saints Row, another video game movie adaptation with director F. Gary Gray. Based on the urgency of Constantin Films, Just Cause could take precedence for Kolstad.
Not only does the pairing of Kolstad and Just Cause appear to be right on paper, but it’s likely not a coincidence that this was announced after Pokémon Detective Pikachu had the biggest opening weekend ever for a video game movie. The live-action film was able to receive mostly positive reviews to go along with its strong box office performance, so now that one success has happened, every studio and video game property wants in. If Just Cause can continue to move forward and pick up a talented director and cast, then maybe it’ll be able to have success too.
MORE: How Detective Pikachu Broke The Video Game Movie Curse
Source: Deadline
