Netflix’s BioShock Film Nears a Workable Story

Netflix’s BioShock film remains in development, director Francis Lawrence said, adding that he and the team are getting close to shaping a workable story for the adaptation of the 2007 video game. His update indicates creative progress but does not establish a production start or release date. Lawrence discussed the project while promoting The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. He said adapting BioShock is difficult because players inhabit the game’s character, while a film must create that character for viewers. The challenge is translating a story built around player perspective and choices into a traditional narrative. The game follows Jack, a silent protagonist who reaches Rapture, a decaying underwater city. The player’s experience of making choices is central to the story, making the shift to a film a particular adaptation challenge. Lawrence has not confirmed whether the film will use a new protagonist; suggestions that it might are interpretations of his remarks, not an announced production detail. Lawrence also cited changes in Netflix’s leadership as an added complication. He described himself and the team as still actively working on the film, while expressing...