Traditionally, video game movies haven't done well at the box office, unless, of course, they're based on Resident Evil. This is probably because most of the video games being turned into films aren't necessarily as story-based as modern games have become.
However, now that game developers focus so much on story, there are a lot of games that might translate well to the silver screen, as long as Hollywood doesn't tamper too much with the game's original story (which, as we know, is also a problem with big budget movie adaptations of video games).
So, which games would make for interesting movies? Hollywood has already put some money into a few game franchises that might work, such as Assassins Creed, but there are still many others that would look good on a movie theater screen.
Here's our list of video games that should become movies, complete with dream directors and cast.
BioShock Infinite
Director: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Clive Owen, Emma Watson, Scott Wilson, Jude Law and Tilda Swinton
Yes, the Gore Verbinski BioShock film never happened, but that one found its basis from the first BioShock game. It makes more sense to focus on BioShock Infinite, which takes the game's story to a different setting and offers more storytelling elements than the original. Of course, Verbinski should still sign on to direct, with Emma Watson starring as Elizabeth. Clive Owen is a sure bet for Booker, with The Walking Dead's Scott Wilson as Comstock and Jude Law as Jeremiah Fink. However, casting the Luteces becomes complicated because they're twins: that's why Tilda Swinton is perfect to play both characters: she's already proven she can play both genders, after all.
Gabriel Knight
Director: Andrés Muschietti
Cast: Troy Baker and Jenna Ushkowitz
Although the Gabriel Knight games aren't exactly modern, they were one of the first video game franchises to offer storytelling as part of gameplay. These games' supernatural settings, too, would make for a great film, especially with the right person playing Gabriel Knight. Although the original had Tim Curry's voice, the developers fired him when they did the second game, which featured live actors: that game starred Dean Erickson in the title role. Although Erickson was perfect, he's probably too old now to take on the iconic character.
So, who could become the new Gabriel Knight? Here's the answer: Troy Baker — we already know he can do a variety of voices, so he'd get the Southern accent easily, plus he actually looks like Gabriel. Baker's a talented guy, and it's about time we saw him in a lead role on film.
Of course, Gabriel is nothing without Grace Nokimura, who is probably the only person who can keep him in line. Although it's a stretch, Glee's Jenna Ushkowitz would make a great Grace, especially when it comes to the sarcasm of the character and the constant eye-rolling at Gabriel's occasional sexist comments.
Because Gabriel Knight is also a horror story, Andrés Muschietti — the director of Mama — would fit perfectly with this project.
Fallout 3
Director: George Miller
Cast: Christian Bale, Liam Neeson, Ron Perlman and Malcolm McDowell
Of all the movies that video game fans would like to see on the big screen, Fallout 3 consistently makes the list. The beauty of this particular project is that it would be best served by keeping most of its original cast, including Liam Neeson as the wanderer's father, Ron Perlman as the narrator (imagine hearing the "war never changes" speech in a theater) and Malcolm McDowell as President John Henry Eden. There's also no better director for the film than George Miller, who directed this year's hit Mad Max: Fury Road.
However, that leaves one character uncast: the main protagonist. Who could play the Wasteland wanderer? Thinking of Terminator: Salvation, Christian Bale immediately comes to mind.
Mass Effect
Director: J.J. Abrams
Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Tahmoh Penikett, Seth Green, Mila Kunis, Jessica Biel, Drew Barrymore, Brandon Keener
This is a movie that Hollywood keeps trying to make, but nothing ever comes of it. However, if a director like J.J. Abrams got on board, the Mass Effect film would happen. Abrams' style would suit the space adventure, but of course, it also needs the perfect Commander Shepard. With the popularity of Female Shepard, only an actress with the gravitas and butt-kicking skills of Katee Sackhoff would fit. We'd also cast Tahmoh Penikett as Kaiden Alenko, with Mila Kunis as Tali, Jessica Biel as Ashley and Drew Barrymore as Liara (this character already looks so much like the actress).
However, the original voice acting cast was great, and there is no other Joker than Seth Green. It's also a good idea to keep the voice of Garrux intact, too: Brandon Keener could provide that under the tons of makeup and prosthetics the character would require. Steven Barr also gets to stay as Urdnot Wrex in this dream cast, as well as Keith David as Captain David Anderson.
Dead Space
Director: Alex Garland
Cast: Sam Worthington
Dead Space is that wonderful blend of sci-fi and horror that film fans would love. It's also a story about one man, so you really only need to worry about casting that role. We see Sam Worthington as Isaac, not only because he looks the part, but because he's an actor we think would handle tapping into the isolation and terror that Isaac faces as he's all alone out there in space.
Of course, Dead Space would need a director that could handle a storyline focused solely on one person and keep it interesting. Ridley Scott is the obvious choice, but Alex Garland would handle the task effortlessly: after all, he directed 28 Days Later and Ex Machina.
Red Dead Redemption:
Director: The Coen Brothers
Cast: Josh Brolin
Red Dead Redemption is such the obvious choice for a film that it's not certain why Hollywood hasn't grabbed it yet. Westerns are now more popular than ever, and the tale of John Marston is a compelling one, especially if Marston's actor is Josh Brolin (really, who else could handle that role?).
Of course, the most obvious — and best — choice for directing is the Coen Brothers, who've proven they can handle this kind of storytelling and setting.
Seriously, Hollywood, why aren't you making this movie yet?
Tex Murphy
Director: Chris Jones
Cast: Chris Jones
Here's another no-brainer for Hollywood: a down-on-his-luck private eye in the post-apocalyptic 21st century. That's right, this game's story ticks off all the popular marks for the makings of a good modern film. Even better, Chris Jones is still Tex Murphy and tackled the role recently in last year's Tesla Effect. The game borrows from both film noir and cyberpunk for its storytelling, so what's not to love?
The Witcher
Director: Jeremy Podeswa
Cast: Sean Bean, Eva Green, Emma Stone, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Liam Neeson
Although there was a sort of movie based on The Witcher video games, it should also receive the big budget treatment. Considering the world's brutality in those games, a good pick for director is Jeremy Podeswa, who directs HBO's Game of Thrones.
Casting Geralt, though, is a tough choice. There's Sean Bean, who just looks so great in these medieval-based settings, but many fans of The Witcher franchise want Mads Mikkelsen in the role. Either would work. Of course, there's the "death" curse that surrounds Sean Bean's characters, meaning that the third film in the franchise would get the "bad" ending from the video game.
Then there's Yennefer, a character that requires a certain finesse, a kind of darkness and a mystery about her. This is where we tap into the talent of Penny Dreadful's Eva Green, who's already proven she can handle a character like that. For fun, Emma Stone might make a great Triss, with Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Dandelion.
Finally, Liam Neeson gets another vote for this film, because he'd be perfect as Geralt's mentor, Vessemir.
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