In a significant move that continues the entertainment industry’s deepening relationship with video game storytelling, Sydney Sweeney is officially on board to star in the upcoming film adaptation of the acclaimed game Split Fiction.
The project will be helmed by Jon M. Chu, the visionary director behind Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, while the script is being crafted by none other than Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, the brilliant minds behind Deadpool & Wolverine.
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A World Beyond Reality: What Is Split Fiction?
Developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts, Split Fiction is a co-op fantasy sci-fi video game that combines narrative depth with thrilling mechanics. Players control Mio and Zoe, two authors mysteriously trapped inside the very worlds they created. The game is renowned for its dynamic split-screen gameplay, inventive platforming sequences, and the distinct abilities each protagonist must use to survive and progress.
Written by Hazelight founder Josef Fares and Sebastian Johansson, the game has captivated audiences since its March 6 debut, racking up glowing reviews and impressive sales figures. In just its first week, Split Fiction moved over two million copies, with demand continuing to surge.
A Role Yet to Be Revealed
At this stage, it remains undecided whether Sweeney will portray Mio or Zoe, both of whom are central to the game’s narrative. The ambiguity only adds to the growing anticipation, especially given Sweeney’s rising star power and impressive range, seen recently in Euphoria and Anyone But You.
While the mystery around her character remains, one thing is clear: Sydney Sweeney is also attached as an executive producer, indicating her deep investment in the adaptation’s creative direction.
Powerhouse Team Behind the Scenes
Backing this ambitious project is Story Kitchen, a production banner co-founded by Mike Goldberg and Dmitri M. Johnson (formerly known as dj2 Entertainment), known for its unmatched expertise in translating beloved gaming titles into cinematic experiences. Story Kitchen is joined by Chu’s own Electric Somewhere, forming a potent alliance aimed at delivering a faithful yet groundbreaking adaptation.
Story Kitchen’s impressive track record includes the Sonic the Hedgehog films, a Tomb Raider animated series that launched on Netflix in late 2024, and upcoming adaptations of Streets of Rage, ToeJam & Earl, and It Takes Two—a title also developed by Hazelight Studios.
Hollywood’s Bidding Frenzy
According to Variety, the Split Fiction movie package sparked a studio bidding war at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco earlier this year. This fervor underscores Hollywood’s increasing appetite for stories with built-in audiences and rich, immersive universes.
As gaming continues to influence mainstream entertainment, Split Fiction stands out as a bold, innovative candidate for the next breakout franchise. The fusion of Reese and Wernick’s sharp writing, Chu’s cinematic flair, and Sweeney’s on-screen magnetism has all the makings of a landmark success.
The Rise of Game-to-Screen Adaptations
Once a niche category, video game adaptations have now become a thriving sector in film and television. With massive hits like The Last of Us, Arcane, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, studios are increasingly turning to interactive storytelling as the next frontier for IP expansion.
Story Kitchen has emerged as a leader in this arena, bridging the gap between the gaming world’s emotional storytelling and Hollywood’s blockbuster machinery. With Split Fiction, they aim to push the boundaries even further.
FAQs
What is ‘Split Fiction’ about?
Split Fiction is a fantasy-sci-fi co-op adventure game where two authors, Mio and Zoe, get trapped inside the fictional worlds they created.
Who is starring in the ‘Split Fiction’ film adaptation?
Sydney Sweeney is set to star in the Split Fiction movie and will also serve as an executive producer.
Who is directing the ‘Split Fiction’ movie?
The film adaptation will be directed by Jon M. Chu, known for Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights.
Who are the writers behind the ‘Split Fiction’ screenplay?
The script is being written by Deadpool & Wolverine screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick.
Which production companies are involved in the ‘Split Fiction’ movie?
The film is being produced by Story Kitchen and Jon M. Chu’s Electric Somewhere.
