The Vision of a Colossus
Andy Muschietti dreams big. The director of It and The Flash is once again advocating for a project that has been simmering on Hollywood's back burner for over a decade: an adaptation of the beloved video game Shadow of the Colossus. In a recent interview with Radio TU, Muschietti revealed his continued passion for the project, stating, “I want them to give me $200 million.” But after the commercial failure of The Flash, a film that left Warner Bros. reeling from nearly $200M in losses, the question remains: is Hollywood willing to take another leap of faith with him?
Muschietti is undeterred. Despite his DCU film The Brave and the Bold being postponed, he remains hopeful, citing a strong script and a deep personal connection to the material. Yet, as he admitted, “There are factors that have to do not with your hobby and desire to make it, but with how popular an intellectual property like this is.”
A World of Giants and Ghosts
Shadow of the Colossus is not just any video game. Developed by Fumito Ueda and released in 2005, the PlayStation classic tells the haunting story of Wander, a young man who ventures into a forbidden land to resurrect a girl named Mono. Armed with a sword and a bow, he must defeat 16 colossal creatures in an isolated and ethereal landscape. Its minimalist narrative, emotional resonance, and towering bosses have made it a cultural touchstone.
A cinematic adaptation has been in development purgatory for years. In 2009, Shogun writer Justin Marks penned a script, with Chronicle director Josh Trank initially attached. By 2014, Muschietti took the reins, but little progress followed—until now.
The Problem with Scale
Hollywood's history with video game adaptations is checkered at best. While recent hits like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and The Last of Us have proven that the medium can translate successfully, Muschietti's vision for Shadow of the Colossus faces unique challenges. Its introspective tone, sparse dialogue, and sprawling landscapes would require a deft touch to maintain its essence. Moreover, $200M budgets are typically reserved for established franchises, not niche adaptations.
Muschietti's track record is a double-edged sword. While It and its sequel demonstrated his skill with horror and large-scale storytelling, The Flash struggled to balance its ambitious scope with audience expectations. Studio executives may see his passion as both an asset and a gamble.
Muschietti's Road Ahead
For now, Muschietti is busy with Welcome to Derry, a Max prequel to It set to debut in 2025. But his comments about Shadow of the Colossus signal a filmmaker who refuses to play it safe. Whether this persistence will pay off remains to be seen. In an era where intellectual properties are king, studios may eventually warm to the idea—especially with the right script and creative vision.
Personal Impressions
There's something poetic about Muschietti's pursuit of Shadow of the Colossus. The game itself is a meditation on obsession, sacrifice, and the cost of ambition—themes that resonate deeply in a Hollywood climate obsessed with franchises and profits. While his $200M dream may seem far-fetched, it's refreshing to see a filmmaker champion a project out of sheer love rather than corporate obligation. If he can harness the emotional depth of the game and deliver a visually stunning experience, this could become his magnum opus.
But let's not ignore the obvious. After the financial disappointment of The Flash, Muschietti will need to prove he can balance vision with fiscal responsibility. Perhaps a smaller-scale test run—like a limited series or a less ambitious adaptation—would be the prudent path forward.
What do you think—does Shadow of the Colossus have the potential to become the next great video game adaptation, or is its minimalist story better left untouched?
