Lately, big studios have been leveling up by bringing our favorite video games to the big screen, making pixelated icons from franchises like Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros and Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog into cinematic superstars.
Video games have become so cinematic in their own storytelling and animated cutscenes that companies sometimes struggle to create new content. Viewers seem to enjoy it when productions stay close to their original source material, like The Last of Us (Naughty Dog, PlayStation Studios) and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (Crystal Dynamics, Square Enix).
Here’s a look at some of the most highly anticipated video game projects coming soon.
Arcane: Season 2 (November 16, 2024)
The Netflix animated show Arcane’s first season was a big hit with the fans of the original game, League of Legends (Riot Games). And was also well received by people who have not played the game. The second season will follow siblings Jinx and Vi. Due to a dispute, they no longer communicate. The second season plans to dive deeper into the darker aspects ofJinx and Vi’s relationship as sisters and potential enemies. The trailer reveals Jinx and Vi may be on separate sides of a fight. The action-packed trailer has viewers anxious for what the new season will bring. Fans are speculating about whether the two can reconcile from the incident that set them so far apart.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (December 20, 2024)
After the initial, horrifying Sonic film design known for its human-like teeth, Paramount Pictures Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise has been a shocking hit. In Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the main character Sonic returns to the big screen. He is joined again by Tails and Knuckles. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will expand on the dynamic between Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles as they team up to face a threat, including the return of Dr. Robotnik and a new rival, Shadow the Hedgehog.
Minecraft: The Movie (April 4, 2025)
Very few games have had the impact of Minecraft (Mojang Studios), one of the most well known games of all time. After some years of development, the highly anticipated movie adaption is finally on its way to theaters. The movie is set to follow a group of adventurers as they attempt to save their blocky world from the Ender Dragon, a nod to one of many challenges in the game. When the trailer was released September 2024, fans were shocked by the style of animation being realistic rather than the original games blocky and pixelated style. Fans were also taken aback by the choice of actors; fans claim famous names such as Jennifer Coolidge, Jack Black and Jason Mamoa star in the film will not suit their roles.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (December 5, 2025)
After the success of the first Five Nights at Freddy’s movie, the production company Blumhouse quickly greenlit another movie. Based on the popular horror game franchise, the original film followed a security guard working the night shift at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, where the animatronic animals come alive and terrorize the night guard. The second film will be a prequel, diving deeper into the history of Freddy’s and to expand on the lore of the second game.
The Last of Us: Season 2 (Early 2025)
After the well renowned success of The Last of Us Season 1 (Max, Naughty Dog, PlayStation Studios), the highly anticipated second season is coming back soon. Based on the hit video game, the first season excited audiences with its portrayal of father and daughter Joel and Ellie, together in an apocalypse. Season 2 will follow the events of the game The Last of Us Part II, diving into heavier themes of revenge and grief. Ramsey will be returning to play her role as Ellie while a new actress will be cast to play Ellie’s nemesis, Abby. Audiences are wondering how the latest characters and the chilling events from the game will be brought to life on screen.
Fallout: Season 2 (Early 2026)
Following the success of Prime Video’s first season, the Fallout (Bethesda Studios) TV series is returning. Based on the renowned game series, Fallout takes place in an apocalyptic world of nuclear war, where survivors must travel a wrecked America full of radiation-mutated creatures and dangerous cannibals. Season 2 will dive deeper into the lore of the game Fallout: New Vegas, as seen in the final episode of Season 1. Fans are eagerly waiting to see more of the wasteland and new Vault-Tec secrets.
