A live-action movie adaptation of Split Fiction, an EA and Hazelight game, is moving forward, with significant talent attached to the project. Jon M. Chu, known for directing Wicked and Crazy Rich Asians, is set to helm the film, while Sydney Sweeney, recognized for her role in Euphoria, will star in the adaptation. The screenplay is being penned by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, the duo behind the successful Deadpool franchise.
On March 21, 2025, Variety reported that a bidding war had erupted in Hollywood for the movie rights to Split Fiction, a co-op game that has captured the attention of players worldwide. The game reached over 250,000 concurrent players on Steam and sold over 2 million copies in its first week, earning rave reviews from critics.
As the project gains momentum, Sweeney is not only starring in the film but also stepping into the role of executive producer. The production company Story Kitchen is assisting EA and Hazelight in developing the film, which is already being positioned as a significant player in the video game adaptation landscape.
Story Kitchen has made a name for itself in Hollywood by successfully launching other video game adaptations, including the live-action Sonic movies and the animated Tomb Raider series on Netflix. Additionally, the company is working on a Streets of Rage movie and a film based on It Takes Two, another title developed by Hazelight and published by EA. However, the It Takes Two project appears to be stalled at Amazon, while Split Fiction is progressing rapidly.
In a related development, Rob Liefeld, the co-creator of Deadpool, has addressed rumors surrounding Ryan Reynolds and a new Deadpool project. Liefeld clarified that Reynolds is not working on a new installment of Deadpool, but rather on a different film titled Boy Band. This clarification came in response to speculation fueled by Reynolds' comments in a recent interview with TIME, where he hinted at writing a new project.
During the interview, Reynolds expressed his thoughts on the character's future within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). He stated, "If [Deadpool] becomes an Avenger or an X-Man, we're at the end. That's his wish fulfillment, and we can't give him that." This statement emphasizes his commitment to keeping Deadpool's character true to its roots and avoiding the pitfalls of mainstream superhero tropes.
While Reynolds remains open to the idea of appearing in a supporting role in upcoming MCU films, he has made it clear that he does not want Deadpool to transition into a typical superhero role. He mentioned, "I'm writing a little something right now... it's an ensemble," suggesting that his next project may be more intimate and character-driven compared to the larger-scale Deadpool & Wolverine.
This sentiment seems to resonate with fans, many of whom are eager for a return to a smaller, more personal narrative for Deadpool. Discussions on platforms like Reddit indicate that audiences are interested in exploring more character-focused stories, especially post-Secret Wars.
Meanwhile, Liefeld has not shied away from expressing his frustrations with Marvel Studios and its head, Kevin Feige. In a February episode of his podcast, Robservations, Liefeld revealed that he felt disrespected by Feige and criticized the treatment of comic book creators within the Marvel ecosystem. He even called for Feige to be relieved of his duties following the release of Captain America: Brave New World, which experienced a significant drop in box office revenue, earning only $7.2 million in its second weekend, a staggering 82.4% decline from its opening day.
As the landscape of superhero films continues to evolve, the upcoming projects featuring Deadpool and the adaptation of Split Fiction highlight the industry's ongoing efforts to innovate and captivate audiences. With major players like Jon M. Chu and Sydney Sweeney involved, the Split Fiction film is poised to be a noteworthy addition to the video game adaptation genre, while Reynolds' new project promises to keep fans engaged with the beloved anti-hero.
As the film industry embraces new narratives and creative directions, it remains to be seen how these projects will unfold and resonate with audiences. The excitement surrounding both Split Fiction and the future of Deadpool speaks to the enduring popularity of these characters and their stories.
