While producing fresh original content,Netflixhas been at the forefront of adapting video games for different TV projects and surprisingly, has found success. Their anime based on theCastlevaniaseries had a strong four-season run and their live-action adaptation ofThe Witcherhas become such a huge hit that its world is being expanded through spin-offs.
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There have also been animated series based onDragon’s DogmaandDOTA.More recently, Netflix’s original showArcane, based in the world ofLeague of Legends, absolutely took the world by storm, making it one of the most highly regarded shows of 2021. Netflix is pushing harder than ever on developing game adaptations, even as it tries todevelop its gaming service, and there are plenty of big gaming adaptations just around the corner.
‘Resident Evil’ (Live-Action Series)
Netflix has been developing a live-action series based on the survival horror seriesResident Evil, but likePaul W. S. Anderson’sfilm series, it will not directly follow the games. Rather it’ll tell an original story centered on iconic franchise antagonist Albert Wesker, played byLance Reddick, that’s split between two timelines.
One timeline follows his two daughters stuck in a false reality, while the other features the kind of zombie survival horror fans are used to. It’s a risky move in this diversion from the source material, but hopefully, Netflix can pull it off.
‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ (Anime)
AlthoughCyberpunk 2077didn’t have a smooth landing at launch, Netflix is still adapting the game for its spinoff anime series,Edgerunners.The series will be animated by Studio Trigger, the anime studio behindPromareandKill La Kill.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunnerstells an original story set within the tech-obsessed and borderline dystopian Night City. It tells the story of a street kid turning into a mercenary outlaw just to survive. With the animation pedigree that Studio Trigger has, fans can expect a beautifully realized anime version of theCyberpunkworld.Edgerunnersis set to debut sometime in 2022, and could very well be the breakout anime of the year.
‘The Witcher: Blood Origin’ (Live-Action Series)
Now after its successful first two seasons,The Witcherwill have a prequel series of its own whenThe Witcher: Blood Originreleases in 2022. The series set 1200 years before the events ofThe Witcherwill explore the creation of the first Witcher as well as ancient Elven civilization before its demise.
Michelle Yeohstars as Scian, the last member of her elven tribe in search of a stolen blade, andBlood Origincould end up being a strong way to expand onThe Witcherlore.
‘Sonic Prime’ (Animated Series)
A new 3-D animatedSonic the Hedgehogseries,Sonic Prime, is set to sprint its way onto Netflix sometime in 2022 and possibly be one of the blue blur’s wildest adventures yet. In the series, Sonic will go on a fast-paced journey through the Shatterverse and have moments of self-discovery as he tries to save this multiverse from Dr. Eggman’s devious plot.
Sonic’s trek through the multiverse inSonicPrimesounds like it could mean multiple Sonics, multiple Dr. Eggmans, and multiple reasons for fans to enjoy what this show has to offer.
‘Devil May Cry’ (Anime)
CastlevaniashowrunnerAdi Shankaris currently set to adapt another dark and blood-soaked game series inDevil May Cry.
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While the series is currently still in pre-production,some details have been unveiled by Shankar, including that the anime series will star fan-favorites Dante and Vergil and is planned to have a multiple-season story arc likeCastlevania. As a fan, an anime ofDevil May Crysounds amazing and the perfect kind of show forCastlevaniafans to transition to.
‘Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix’ (Anime)
Devil May Cryisn’t the only game that Shankar is adapting: he’s also in charge of creating an anime adaptation of the belovedFar Cry 3spinoffBlood Dragon– currently titledCaptain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix.
The adult anime series is said to draw inspiration from ’90s cartoons with an ’80s color hue fitting forBlood Dragon.It sounds wild, and with Shankar on top ofLaserhawk, he could prove to be a pivotal force in Netflix’s anime library.
‘Far Cry’ (Anime)
Along withCaptain Laserhawk, Netflix has also started production on aFar Cryanime that currently doesn’t have any details on it. It’s unclear whether it will be completely original or based on one of the games, but regardless,Far Cryand anime sound like a great combination.
WithFar Cry’s cast of compelling villains and trippy, psychedelic atmospheres, an anime adaptation could bring all ofFar Cry’s chaos into a whole new visual landscape.
Netflix’s most highly anticipated gaming adaptation is undoubtedly their upcoming animated series based onCuphead. The series will serve as an homage to the classic cartoons of the 1930s, and will depict the strange misadventures of the titular Cuphead and his best friend Mugman.
At last year’s Geeked Week event, Netflix unveiled thatWayne Bradywould voice the villainous King Dice andgave us a glimpse of this series in action. That small glimpse was enough to show thatThe Cuphead Showcould be something special and hopefully, we’ll be able to see more soon.
‘Tomb Raider’ (Anime)
An anime series based onTomb Raideris currently in the works at Netflix with Powerhouse Animation Studios, the studio behindBlood of Zeus.
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The series has been described as a Japanese anime action series that sees iconic explorer Lara Croft exploring new territory and possibly bridging the timelines between the original and reboot trilogy. This anime series could present a fresh start forTomb Raider, given how lackluster the reception has been for the live-action films, and give fans a new adventure with Lara Croft.
‘Splinter Cell’ (Anime)
The biggest announcement from last’s year Geeked Week event was the reveal that Netflix is working on an anime adaptation of Ubisoft’sSplinter Cellseries, withJohn WickcreatorDerek Kolstadco-writing and acting as series showrunner.
The series will see the long-awaited return of Sam Fischer and each season is said to have its own self-contained story. Fans have been clamoring to see Fischer return and since Ubisoft hasn’t delivered yet, Netflix is going to try and give them what they crave.
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