Amazon MGM Studios has acquired the film adaptation rights for Split Fiction, a video game that launched recently to critical and commercial success. Jon M. Chu, known for directing films such as Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, is attached to lead the project. The film will star Sydney Sweeney, with a co-star currently being sought.
Split Fiction, developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts, introduces a unique premise that blends fantasy and science fiction elements. The story centers on a pair of authors, Mio and Zoe, who find themselves trapped within the fantastical worlds they themselves created. The video game, a co-op adventure, is characterized by its split-screen combat, platforming challenges, and distinct abilities for each character. The film aims to translate these innovative mechanics into a cinematic experience.
Chu’s involvement signals a significant artistic commitment to the adaptation. With a background in diverse genres, from musicals to romantic comedies, his direction will be crucial in interpreting the game’s hybrid world and intricate character dynamics for the screen. Chu’s production company, Electric Somewhere, will co-produce the film.
The screenplay for the Split Fiction film is being written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, the screenwriting duo behind Deadpool & Wolverine. Production will also involve Mike Goldberg and Dmitri M. Johnson’s Story Kitchen. Sydney Sweeney will serve as an executive producer alongside Story Kitchen’s Timothy I. Stevenson, and Hazelight Studios’ founder Josef Fares and COO Oskar Wolontis.
Oskar Wolontis expressed the studio’s enthusiasm for the collaboration. “Even in early development here at Hazelight, it was clear how much potential Split Fiction had to become a kick-ass movie,” Wolontis stated. “We now know it’s got a shot at becoming something truly special with such an amazing creative team behind it. Jon M. Chu, Sydney Sweeney, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, together with Story Kitchen, have all been champions and true fans of this project since day one, and we can’t wait to see their vision for this movie come to life!”
He also noted Amazon MGM’s strong interest, adding, “Amazon MGM has shown intense interest in this project and we’re happy to see them show both confidence and clear intent to bring this movie to all current and future fans of ‘Split Fiction’ out there. We look forward to holding them to that and working together to bring Mio and Zoe to screen.”
Read more: Sydney Sweeney to Star in ‘Split Fiction’ Film Adaptation With Jon M Chu Directing
The acquisition of Split Fiction by Amazon MGM Studios underscores Hollywood’s increasing embrace of video game properties. Recent box office successes, including The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, have demonstrated the commercial viability of such adaptations. Other high-profile gaming franchises, including The Legend of Zelda and Street Fighter, are also currently in development for film or television.
Split Fiction marks the third film adaptation Hazelight Studios has initiated with Story Kitchen, following projects based on their acclaimed games It Takes Two and A Way Out. The film is expected to contribute to the growing trend of sophisticated video game storytelling making its way to cinematic platforms.
