The director of John Wick is working on a ‘Ghost of Tsushima’ adaptation

The director of John Wick is working on a Ghost of Tsushima film adaptation and that’s very promising news indeed.

As per Deadline, Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions are developing the adaptation of one of 2020’s best video games.

And they’ve got the director of the insane, bizarre, wonderful, gritty John Wick, Chad Stahelski, to helm it, which could be a masterstroke. Peter Kang of game developer Sucker Punch Productions will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.

Ghost of Tsushima is an action-adventure game featuring an open world. It follows Jin Sakai, a samurai on a quest to protect Tsushima Island during the first Mongol invasion of Japan. As of this month, it’s sold a whopping 6.5 million copies worldwide.

“We’re excited to be partnering with Chad and 87Eleven Entertainment, to bring their vision of Jin’s story to the big screen,” Asad Qizilbash, Head of PlayStation Productions, said.

“We love working with creative partners like Chad, who have a passion for our games, ensuring we can create rich adaptations that will excite our fans and new audiences.”

Stahelski co-directed the first John Wick film alongside David Leitch but was given solo control for Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 – Parabellum. He’s also confirmed to direct Chapter 4, which is scheduled for release in May 2022, as the mayhem’s set to continue.

Interestingly, the Ghost of Tsushima game itself was influenced heavily by films, particularly the samurai works of the iconic Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. Perhaps Stahelski will indulge in a Kurosawa marathon before production begins. That would be a great way to spend a weekend.

Video game adaptations have a tortured recent history so it’s a minefield. That Assassin’s Creed one with Michael Fassbender? Sonic the Hedgehog with its infamous production issues?

So Stahelski clearly has a big job in his hands. There’s no date confirmed for the adaptation yet but this is definitely one to keep your eye on.

Check out the official story trailer for ‘Ghost of Tsushima’:

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