Dead Island

THE BUZZ: Lionsgate has snagged the movie rights to Dead Island. We’re now one step closer to having the blood drenched paradise on the big screen.

Website Deadline has outlined the battle over the rights, which started last February after the compelling first trailer was released. The teaser garnered more than 1 million hits in its first 24 hours, raising its clout immediately. It doesn’t hurt that the game, released earlier this month, has already sold more than 2 million units.

However, the process has taken longer than it might, due to disputes over who actually held the rights. Originally, the rights were offered by Sean Daniel Company’ s Daniel and Jason Brown and Union Entertainment’s Richard Leibowitz and Dmitri Johnson. Ultimately Daniel ended on top, and will produce with Stefan Sonnenfeld.

In a statement, Lionsgate’s Joe Drake said, “Like the hundreds of journalists and millions of fans who were so passionate and vocal about the Dead Island trailer, we too were awestruck. This is exactly the type of property we’re looking to adapt at Lionsgate, it’s sophisticated, edgy, and a true elevation of a genre that we know and love. It also has built in brand recognition around the world, and franchise potential.”

No timeline was given for the production, nor were there any announcements regarding a director or possible cast.

We’ve reached out to game publisher Deep Silver for a comment and will update as soon as we hear back.

EGM’s TAKE: Video game movies always make us nervous, but it seems Dead Island has a pretty distinct story to offer. That doesn’t mean it won’t get screwed up, but at least it might have a fighting chance.

Source: Deadline Hollywood