Netflix to adapt 'Gears of War' video game into a feature film

Netflix has snatched up the rights to turn the hugely popular Gears of War video game franchise into a feature film and animated series. The news follows rumours of an adaptation that have been circulating for the past 15 years. 

In 2007, New Line temporarily got its hands on the rights, and Universal was also set to helm a production in the mid-2010s, which never got past the screenwriting phase. 

However, with Netflix taking control in collaboration with Canadian game developer The Coalition, the project is sure to be ambitious. The streaming service announced its big plans on Twitter, writing, “Gears of War was released 16 years ago today, and to mark the occasion, Netflix has partnered with The Coalition to adapt the @GearsofWar video game saga into a live-action feature film, followed by an adult animated series — with the potential for more stories to follow!”

The gaming franchise, comprised of six instalments and multiple spinoffs, has sold over 40 million copies since 2006. This makes it one of the most successful gaming franchises of all time. The game follows Delta Squad, led by Marcus Fenix, who must save humanity from creatures known as Locusts, whose presence threatens the collapse of society. 

So far, there have not been any filmmakers or producers attached to the project. However, actor Dave Bautista has frequently expressed his desire to play Marcus in a live-action adaptation. Last year he shared, “[Universal] wanted to talk to me about Fast and the Furious, and I said, ‘I’m not interested, let’s talk about Marcus Fenix.'”