Universal Pictures has secured the prestigious rights to transform Reikon's critically acclaimed video game, "Ruiner," under the visionary direction of Wes Ball, whose credits include the captivating "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" franchise and the exhilarating "Maze Runner" trilogy. Penning the screenplay for this adrenaline-fueled adaptation is Michael Arlen Ross, the mastermind behind "Locked," ensuring a narrative that thrills and captivates.
With a fervent fan base of over 4 million players and a staggering 90% positive reviews on Steam, "Ruiner" immerses audiences in a dystopian cyber metropolis, Rengkok, set in the year 2091. The official synopsis weaves a tale of a wired psychopath, relentless in his quest to unravel the web of corruption that stands between him and the rescue of his kidnapped brother. Guided by a shadowy hacker, he navigates a landscape of unforgiving violence and cutting-edge technology, inching closer to the dark secrets that lurk beneath the neon-drenched streets of this futuristic metropolis.
At the helm of production are the formidable duo of Kelly McCormick and David Leitch, whose recent collaborations like "The Fall Guy," "Bullet Train," and "Nobody" have set box office records. They bring their expertise to 87North's partnership with Universal Pictures, further bolstered by the seasoned producers of "Tomb Raider" (for Amazon MGM Studios and Netflix) and Paramount's smash hit "Sonic the Hedgehog": Dmitri M. Johnson and Mike Goldberg of Story Kitchen, along with Timothy I. Stevenson and Dan Jevons as executive producers. Ball and Joe Hartwick Jr. contribute their creative prowess to the project under the Oddball banner.
Moreover, Reikon's Marek Roefler, Magdalena Tomkowicz, and Jakub Stylinski lend their support as executive producers, ensuring the game's spirit and essence are faithfully translated to the big screen.
"Ruiner" marks yet another milestone in Universal Pictures' impressive track record of adapting beloved video games into cinematic gold. Following the resounding success of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" and "Five Nights at Freddy's," which grossed over $1.4 billion and $290 million worldwide respectively in 2023, the studio's latest endeavor promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally charged thrill ride. Ryan Jones, Senior VP of Production Development, and Jacqueline Garell, Creative Executive of Production Development, will meticulously oversee this project, ensuring it reaches new heights of entertainment excellence.
Ball is no novice in the realm of video game-inspired cinematic endeavors. Riding on the wave of immense success with "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," which has amassed a staggering global box office haul of over $397 million, the visionary filmmaker now embarks on an exhilarating journey: a live-action adaptation of the iconic "The Legend of Zelda." With such a prestigious project in the pipeline, Ball, alongside Hartwick, are adeptly guided by the esteemed representation of Jeff Gorin and Phil d’Amecourt at WME, as well as Rick Genow of Goodman Genow Schenkman Smelkinson + Christopher, LLP, ensuring every step of the creative voyage is navigated with precision.
Meanwhile, 87North, the production house behind Ball's endeavors, boasts a formidable representation lineup with CAA, JSSK, and 42West, each lending their expertise to elevate the narrative horizons. Similarly, Story Kitchen, the creative hub, is ably represented by WME, Pryor Cashman, and TriplePoint PR, a trio that collectively ensures every storytelling element resonates deeply.
Ross, a force to be reckoned with in the world of screenwriting and executive producing, has recently penned and helmed the upcoming adrenaline-fueled thriller "Locked," directed by the talented David Yarovesky. Backed by the legendary Sam Raimi and starring the esteemed Anthony Hopkins and Bill Skarsgård, this project underscores Ross's penchant for crafting gripping narratives that captivate audiences worldwide. Represented by the dynamic team at Entertainment 360 and Lichter Grossman Nichols Feldman Rogal Shikora & Clark, Ross continues to soar in the entertainment skyline, leaving an indelible mark with each of his endeavors.
