BioShock film script currently in the works, to be based on first game

The script for the BioShock movie is currently being written, with Vertigo Entertainment producer Roy Lee confirming the film adaptation will be based on the first game.

In an interview with The Direct, published on September 9, 2025, Lee told the publication that the BioShock film is “definitely going to be based on the first BioShock game.”

The publication was speaking to Lee about The Long Walk, the upcoming dystopian horror (based on Stephen King’s novel) directed by Francis Lawrence, who is signed on to direct the upcoming BioShock movie.

“The Long Walk became a reality because BioShock was delayed for a little bit, where we had to do some more script work,” Lee revealed to the publication.

“And so as the script work is being done, we shot The Long Walk.”

BioShock’s script is currently being penned by Logan and Blade Runner 2049 writer Michael Green.

Lee went on to reveal that Lawrence, who has directed several of The Hunger Games films, was “already committed” to directing The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which is currently in production in Spain and is due for release in November 2026.

“And so it’s just waiting for him whenever The Hunger Games is completed, and the script is just being worked on right now,” Lee continued.

Take-Two Interactive has been trying to bring its dystopian first-person shooter series to the silver screen for almost two decades.

In 2008, Take-Two announced a deal with Universal Pictures to make a BioShock movie, to be directed by Pirates of the Caribbean’s Gore Verbinski.

But following budget concerns and the loss of two directors for the project, it was ultimately cancelled in 2013.

In 2022, Netflix announced its plans to bring the franchise to the silver screen, with the live-action film to be produced by Vertigo Entertainment and 2K.

In 2024, however, Netflix slashed the movie’s budget to focus on making it a smaller, “more personal” project.

During a panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Lee explained the BioShock project was being “reconfigured” following a change in leadership at the streaming firm.

“The new regime has lowered the budgets,” Lee said. “So we’re doing a much smaller version… It’s going to be a more personal point of view, as opposed to a grander, big project.”