Movies
Did ‘Watchmen’ Help Sink ‘BioShock’ Feature?!
If there were one adaptation I wanted more than anything, it was to see the video game “BioShock” turned into a feature film. The story arc and incredible designs primed it for the big screen treatment. Unfortunately, a ballooning budget, among other factors, caused the dream to sink.
EuroGamer caught up with Irrational’s Ken Levine at BAFTA, where he was on hand to promote “BioShock Infinite”. There, he spoke on the dead movie that once had Pirates of the Caribbean and The Ring‘s Gore Verbinski attached to direct.
The shocker? He personally killed the project!
“There was a deal in place, and it was in production at Universal – Gore Verbinski was directing it,” said Levine. “My theory is that Gore wanted to make a hard R film – which is like a 17/18 plus, where you can have blood and naked girls. Well, I don’t think he wanted naked girls. But he wanted a lot of blood.” He continues, “Then Watchmen came out, and it didn’t do well for whatever reason. The studio then got cold feet about making an R rated $200 million film, and they said what if it was a $80 million film – and Gore didn’t want to make a $80 million film.”
This caused Universal to bring in a new director, which made Levine uncomfortable: “So they said if you want to kill it, kill it. And I killed it.”
I personally would rather see the movie done with the blessing of Levine, thus I’ll give him a standing ovation for standing his ground. Still, I hope they eventually figure out a way to make it, and make it well..
A crime scene leads to horror in The Cycle, the latest from director Jordan Downey ( The Head Hunter, V/H/S/Beyond), and our exclusive first look introduces lead Deborah Ann Woll (“Daredevil: Born Again“, Escape Room) as she investigates the darkly personal case.
The Cycle will debut exclusively on Shudder on October 23, 2026.
The logline reads, “When the body of a man missing for thirty-six years is discovered at the scene of a horrific crime, it’s up to his estranged daughter to unravel his dark past.“
Also starring in The Cycle is Jeffrey Donovan (“Burn Notice“, Villains).
Jordan Downey wrote the screenplay with Kevin Stewart (The Head Hunter).
“We are so excited about The Cycle; Jordan has crafted such an original story that is gonna excite audiences. For us he has the ability to be the next great genre filmmaker and we can’t wait to make the movie,” said James Harris of production company Tea Shop (Obsession, 47 Meters Down). Peter Heller also produces.
Deborah Ann Woll rose to fame as the feisty vampire Jessica Hamby in HBO’s “True Blood” before becoming a fan favorite as Karen Page in Marvel’s “Daredevil” series. While horror fans recognize her from Escape Room and its sequel, Escape Room: Tournament of Champions, the versatile actress has captured gamers’ attention as Laufey, Kratos’ wife in God of War: Ragnarök. She’ll receive her solo spinoff game in the upcoming God of War: Laufey.
As for Jordan Downey, The Cycle will mark his long-awaited feature follow-up to the underseen gem, The Head Hunter, but the rising filmmaker also has sci-fi thriller Override on the way.
Stay tuned for more.