Dead Island to become a film

Film studio Lionsgate, who has been responsible for films like the Saw franchise, The Expendables and The Lincoln Lawyer, has optioned film rights from game publisher Deep Silver to develop a feature film based on their latest Dead Island game.

Dead Island releases today (image: Techland)

“Dead Island is a global brand first introduced through a teaser trailer that told the story of a family on vacation at a tropical resort who is besieged by zombies.  Told in a stark, non-linear fashion, the wrenching trailer captured worldwide fan attention and unanimous critical praise upon its debut, receiving over one million hits in its first 24 hours online,” Dead Silver said in a statement.

“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,” added Lionsgate’s co-COO and Motion Picture Group President Joe Drake.

The film Dead Island is currently in the early development stage with producers attached, while Sean Daniel will spearhead production through his Sean Daniel Company.

Charlie Fripp – Consumer Tech editor