Hollywood is diving deep into the world of gaming once again, this time with one of the most imaginative titles in recent years. Sydney Sweeney, fresh off her successful run in both film and TV, is set to star in a big-screen adaptation of Split Fiction, the fantasy-meets-sci-fi co-op game that has taken the gaming world by storm. The live-action film will be directed by Jon M. Chu, known for his vibrant storytelling in films like Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights.
As reported by Variety, the script is being developed by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, the screenwriting duo behind Deadpool & Wolverine. The production is currently being pitched to major Hollywood studios, with intense interest already building thanks to the strength of the creative team and the global popularity of the game.
Sydney Sweeney’s Expanding Cinematic Universe
Sweeney, whose acting range continues to win over both critics and audiences, will also serve as an executive producer on the project. Her involvement adds not only star power but also creative oversight to a film that is expected to lean heavily into emotional storytelling and visual innovation. The project is being produced by Mike Goldberg and Dmitri M. Johnson of Story Kitchen, formerly known as dj2 Entertainment. Chu’s production company Electric Somewhere will also be producing.
Story Kitchen is known for its strong track record of adapting video games for the screen. With credits like the Sonic the Hedgehog films and Netflix’s Tomb Raider animated series, their involvement brings significant credibility. Other upcoming projects under their belt include Streets of Rage at Lionsgate and It Takes Two, which, like Split Fiction, originates from the acclaimed game studio Hazelight.
What Makes Split Fiction So Unique?
Created by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts, Split Fiction is the brainchild of director Josef Fares and writer Sebastian Johansson. It follows two authors, Mio and Zoe, who are pulled into the fictional worlds they’ve created. As they navigate different universes, they must rely on one another’s unique abilities to survive and find their way back to reality.
The game is known for its co-op gameplay, split-screen mechanics, and emotional storytelling. Each player controls one character—either Mio or Zoe—and must cooperate to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and make narrative choices that affect the outcome of the story.
A Commercial and Critical Triumph
Released on March 6, Split Fiction quickly became one of the breakout hits of the year. Within its first week, the game sold over two million copies, and that number continues to rise. Critics praised its innovative design, emotionally charged narrative, and seamless co-op mechanics, solidifying it as a fan favorite.
According to Variety, the film adaptation was first revealed during the Game Developers Conference (GDC) held in San Francisco in March, where it immediately sparked a bidding war among top studios. With the movie rights now circulating among major players, all eyes are on who will land this high-profile project.
Who Will Sidney Sweeney Play?
While Sweeney’s involvement is confirmed, it has yet to be announced whether she will play Mio or Zoe—two equally compelling leads with distinct personalities and narrative arcs. Both characters offer a blend of action, emotion, and introspection, aligning well with Sweeney’s proven acting strengths.
A Promising New Chapter in Game Adaptations
Video game adaptations are experiencing a renaissance, with titles like The Last of Us and Super Mario Bros. finding massive success. With Split Fiction, the combination of a star-studded team, a beloved IP, and a story rich with cinematic potential sets the stage for another major win.
As fans of the game and newcomers alike await more casting announcements and a potential release date, excitement is steadily building. If the film can capture even a fraction of the magic that made the game a hit, it may very well be one of the most talked-about releases in the coming years.
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