Film studio Lionsgate has optioned the rights to create a movie based on Deep Silver's zombie action RPG Dead Island, with the game’s award-winning announcement trailer set to "serve as its primary creative inspiration”.
The film is currently in the early stages of development, with Sean Daniel (The Mummy, Tombstone) leading production through his Sean Daniel Company. Daniel was rumoured to be attached to a Dead Island movie in February.
“The film Dead Island will be an innovation of the zombie genre because of its focus on human emotion, family ties and non-linear storytelling,” Lionsgate said.
Lionsgate's co-COO and Motion Picture Group president Joe Drake added: "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."
Despite a controversial and problematic early September launch, Dead Island has sold over two million units to date.