Andres Muschietti to helm video game adaptation Shadow of the Colossus

The last we heard of Sony’s plans for an adaption of PlayStation video game SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS, CHRONICLE and THE FANTASTIC FOUR director (and future STAR WARS helmer) Josh Trank was in the early stages of development. THE JUNGLE BOOK screenwriter Justin Marks was on board to script it but then nothing.

Now, Sony is back in the saddle with major tentpole plans for the fantasy film and have hired Andres Muschietti to direct. Muschietti was recently linked to Universal’s reboot of THE MUMMY before dropping out due to creative differences. He helmed the sleeper horror hit MAMA last year for producer Guillermo Del Toro. This new attempt to make SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS has also enlisted HANNA screenwriter Seth Lochhead.

The story of a young man who believes his lover to be dead, so he heads to a “forbidden land” to summon a demon that can wake her. In order to bring the woman back to life, however, he needs to slay 16 colossi. They’re massive, “skyscraper-sized giants” that rise from the ground, fly through the air, and dwell in the water. Soon, the man questions his pursuit and wonders if he’s made a deal with the devil.

SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS is often ranked amongst the best video games of all time thanks to the unique minimalist visual style and lack of traditional game dynamics. While I was not sure if Josh Trank was the right fit for the material, Muschietti should bring a distinct visual flair and hopefully Sony gives him the rope to make a powerful cinematic achievement.