Despite having seen no shortage of video game to film adaptations within our lifetime, there have been some glaring omissions when it comes to top franchises that have yet to make their way to the silver screen. Being a huge fan of the stealth action genre, I can’t help but lament the developmental hell that both Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell have had to endure for what seems like an eternity. Now, I could probably complain about this all day, but at least we’re now seeing some movement when it comes to the former.
Granted, I’m still placing this in the “I’ll believe it when I see it” category, but director Jordan Vogt-Roberts can at least credit himself with having a clear, highly ambitious vision. Having been attached to Solid Snake’s cinematic debut since 2014, it’s probably safe to say that he’s more frustrated than any of us, but his recent success with Kong: Skull Island has apparently afforded him more clout in Hollywood. Thus, Sony is willing to take another look at this Metal Gear Solid jazz.
And even though the project has been coming together slower than any of Solid Snake’s belly crawls, a major step forward has been taken today, with Vogt-Roberts now enlisting a screenwriter that he’s well familiar with to assist with the latest draft. Having previously worked with Derek Connolly on the aforementioned Kong: Skull Island, it should instill faith among moviegoers knowing that the scribe has also contributed to Jurassic World, as well as its upcoming sequel, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
But despite having such blockbusters under his belt, there’s no denying that Connolly has his work cut out for him. Knowing how the Metal Gear Solid games are infamous for their lengthy cutscenes, it’ll be no small feat adapting such rich and expansive material to film, especially when you have to consider the possibility of studio executives desiring a running time of around 90 minutes.