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Exciting Outlast Game, Lionsgate Announces Movie Adaptation
Key Takeaways
- Lionsgate Takes Charge: Lionsgate is set to bring the Outlast game to the big screen.
- Horror Expertise: Roy Lee and J.T. Petty join forces to possibly create a faithful adaptation.
- Deep Dive into Lore: The Outlast film will explore the dark, intricate world of manipulation and clandestine groups.
- Franchise Potential: The Outlast game’s rich narrative could spark a new horror movie series.
Introduction
Exciting news for horror gamers and fans—as mentioned on Bloody Disgusting, the mind-twisting world of Outlast is set to haunt the big screen!
Lionsgate, known for their films like the Saw franchise, Sinister, and Hostel, has officially greenlit the adaptation of Red Barrels’ spine-tingling survival horror game, Outlast. This move promises to blend the intense psychological horror of the game with cinematic storytelling.
It has also been mentioned that Roy Lee, known for banger horror movies like Barbarian, It, and the Ring, will be producing the Outlast movie. Furthermore, J.T Petty, who wrote for the Outlast games and comics, will be involved too.
With these names aligned to the project, the Outlast movie sounds like it’ll be a twistedly good movie and, if you’re curious on what inspired the Mount Massive Asylum building, check out my 10 Scary Games with Real Locations.
But still, the real question lingers. Can the Outlast game really become an Outlast movie?
The Legacy of Outlast
Outlast
Since its debut in 2013, Outlast has become a cornerstone of horror in gaming. Set in the eerie confines of Mount Massive Asylum, you play as Miles Upshur and navigate through a maze of horrific frights, from deranged patients to gruesome secrets.
The game impacted horror gaming with its immersive experience and relentless, adrenaline-pumping tension, setting a high standard for the genre. I cannot describe how stellar this game was to play!
Outlast: Whistleblower
In this downloadable content (DLC), you play as Waylon Park, a tech savvy software engineer at Mount Massive Asylum, who ends up blowing the whistle on the horrific experiments happening there.
After emailing the press, including Miles, he tries to escape the creepy asylum and a persistent patient known as “The Groom,” who I’ll say is not a person you’d want to be alone with. It’s a wild ride that dives deeper into the dark corners of the Outlast universe.
Outlast 2
We then get into Outlast 2, where we get new faces and new scares. Blake Langermann crashes in the Arizona desert and stumbles into the twisted Temple Gate town, overseen by the wacky Sullivan Knoth (I prefer the nickname Papa Knoth) and his devoted cult.
It’s all cult chaos, apocalyptic madness, and personal demons as Blake deals with horrific hallucinations tied to his past that I prefer not to get into for… my own reasons. The ending? Total mind-scratcher for a while.
The Outlast Trials
Finally, we reach the cold War era of The Outlast Trials with brainwashing and a dash of co-op gameplay. You get to be lab rats for Murkoff Corp, testing how well you play with others while trying to keep your sanity intact. It’s a fresh twist on the series’ typical lone-wolf survival horror setup.
Outlast holds a rich series of games that explore how various institutions can abuse power and manipulate others. With the news of the Outlast movie, David Chateauneuf, Co-Founder and Creative Director at Red Barrels (Red Barrels) said,
“Horror films, both classic and modern, have profoundly influenced our franchise, and collaborating on an Outlast film with true horror legends is a dream— or should we say, a nightmare—come true.”
So, is it possible to make the Outlast game into a movie that captures the core essence of the games?
Why put Outlast on the Big Screen
Outlast stands out with its unique blend of survival horror dynamics and a compelling, eerie backdrop. The decision by Lionsgate to pick up this title is reminiscent of recent successful adaptations like Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF), from Blumhouse.
This project suggests that Lionsgate is striving to capture the game’s audience and newcomers to the story like FANF did.
Movie Adaptation Details
The adaptation will be spearheaded by Roy Lee, a renowned figure in horror film production. Teaming up with J.T. Petty, who has been deeply involved with the Outlast games, the film aims to capture the game’s harrowing atmosphere and intricate lore.
With David Chateauneuf’s expressed enthusiasm about bringing the Outlast universe to film, we get the idea that a deep respect for horror will be applied to the making of the Outlast movie.
What to Expect
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the film is expected to stay true to the game’s roots, focusing on the psychological and physical horrors that have captivated players.
The movie will likely explore the dark corridors and terrifying history of Mount Massive Asylum, ensuring that the essence of the game is preserved.
Potential for the Movie
I’m no cinema expert but based on the game’s lore, installments, and comics, this movie can easily translate into a horror movie franchise. Think about how in Outlast, Miles Upshur went into the asylum to investigate it based on the message from Waylon Park.
Then consider the DLC Outlast Whistleblower, where Waylon not only sent the message to Myles but also had to escape the asylum and then witness the Walrider (also known as ‘the Swarm’).
Plus, let’s not forget the Outlast comics, written by J.T Petty and the Outlast Trials game. This single Outlast movie could not only be the start of a horror movie franchise but could even allow more expansion.
Now, I won’t say making the Outlast game into a movie is a guaranteed banger. I’ve been, let’s say, a bit disappointed in some game-to-movie ideas… Silent Hill Movie, FNAF movie. Though this is just my tastes, and FNAF was not bad, just predictable for me.
So, I’m a bit cautious of any game-to-movie idea. Nonetheless, I hope the Outlast movie stays true to the core story and characterizations of the Outlast games but adds something new.
Closing Thoughts
The Outlast movie adaptation will not just be a translation of game to film but an expansion of a rich universe. With horror professionals at the helm, the project looks like it’ll be a fresh yet faithful take on the game.
As filming progresses, updates are anticipated by fans and newcomers alike, ready to experience Outlast in a whole new medium.
So, what are you looking forward to seeing in the Outlast movie? Share your thoughts and commit below!
Nero lives in the United States, delving into indie horror to mainstream games. Armed with a psych degree and a passion for storytelling, he wrote stories and essays published online and in museum catalogs. Besides writing, he also likes sketching and tuning into rock music. Catch his latest posts or follow him across social media.