Hollywood studios are capitalizing on popular online games with relative ease, and their next target appears to be the Oregon Trail franchise, which is set to get a big-screen adaptation.
Although largely overlooked by modern gamers, there’s no denying that the original Oregon Trail remains an iconic game. Everyone who attempted it would have succumbed to some absurd reason or another, often dysentery, effectively rendering it one of the earliest comedies – where’s the humor in your entire town collapsing because you forgot to stockpile enough grain for your oxen? Despite its lackluster narrative, The Hollywood Reporter suggests that the underlying concept has enough potential to be adapted into a compelling film.
The movie has premiered on Apple, a fitting destination given its connection to the original 1985 release of The Oregon Trail, which debuted on the same platform. Despite its fledgling state, the project remains in development, with acclaimed directing duo Will Speck and Josh Gordon attached to helm the endeavour. While many may remember them best from their collaborative work on the 2007 film Blades of Glory, where Will Ferrell and Jon Heder joined forces, it’s also worth noting that they worked together on the animated Marvel series Hit-Monkey. According to insiders, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul are set to craft the film’s soundtrack, which will feature several authentic musical numbers inspired by Barbie’s spirit. Would they see this musical about to collapse?
The Lucas brothers, Kenny and Keith, are collaborating with screenwriter Max Reisman to craft the screenplay, under the helm of producer Caroline Fraser at HarperCollins Productions – notable for their work on The Oregon Trail series – in partnership with Kevin O’Keeffe. Vafi.
While uncertainty surrounds the outcome’s awareness, a plethora of unconventional sports features prominently throughout the narrative, thus prompting Hollywood to acknowledge that it can’t exploit every existing sport.
