Guillermo Del Toro Officially Confirms He Almost Directed the Bioshock Movie
Overview & Key Takeaways
Horror legend Guillermo del Toro once tried to adapt seminal FPS BioShock, but the process was 'disastrous'
Even as video game adaptations continue to be in vogue, Hollywood's white whale has been BioShock. That might come as a surprise considering just how well suited the massively influential 2007 shooter is to a cinematic take, as well as the fact that attempts at an adaptation have been happening just about as long as the game has been out. At one point, it was rumored that horror director Guillermo del Toro was involved, though this was never confirmed — until now.
Talking to IGN in a wide-ranging interview, del Toro casually dropped the information that he had "a couple of calls" about taking on the BioShock movie. He didn't get much further in the process, however, as these were apparently some of "the most disastrous calls I've ever had." While del Toro doesn't go on to offer up any more details on what his vision for the film would be, he said this was just one potential adaptation among a series of calls he described as "contentious."
When asked if he would ever want to adapt a video game in the future, del Toro answered bluntly: "Fuck no." That also applies to his future involvement in games, except perhaps lending his likeness to whatever Kojima creates. After the failed attempts to release Insane and Silent Hills, del Toro says, "never again."
Will we ever actually get a BioShock movie?
Image: Netflix
Allegedly, we will be getting a BioShock movie relatively soon, but I refuse to believe that until I am in the theater watching the thing. The latest iteration of the project is actively in development at Netflix. It was announced in 2022 that the film would be directed by Francis Lawrence (of the Hunger Games franchise) from a script by Michael Green (Logan, Blade Runner 2049).
The first attempt at a BioShock film dates back to just after the game's release, and Gore Verbinski, director of Pirates of the Caribbean, was attached. According to Verbinski, his adaptation would have somehow included both of the game's endings. The project was eventually canceled due to budget concerns and Verbinski's desire for an R-rating. Netflix has no further information on its adaptation at this time, so don't hold your breath.
