Atari Universal Multi-Film Deal

The pixelated legends of Atari are getting a cinematic glow-up. A major deal has been struck between Atari, Entertainment 360, and Universal Pictures, setting the stage for ten classic video game properties to be reimagined as theatrical releases.

This ambitious collaboration aims to transform some of gaming’s most enduring classics into “big-scale action-adventure fare,” breathing new life into the history of arcade entertainment. The selection includes iconic titles such as Asteroids, Adventure, Berzerk, Breakout, Centipede, Crystal Castles, Millipede, Missile Command, Pong, and Yars’ Revenge.

The vision is clear: to harness the magic and spirit of these foundational games and translate them into epic cinematic experiences for a broader audience.

The process is already underway, with plans starting on the first film, which will be produced by Guymon Casady. The screenplay is set to be penned by longtime studio executive Matt Reilly and Carl Hampe, who also serve as scribes for “Jungle Cruise.” Their goal is to build an original and expansive adventure narrative from these familiar gaming worlds.

The excitement surrounding the move reflects the timeless appeal of Atari’s catalog. Wade Rosen, Chairman and CEO of Atari, emphasized this enthusiasm in a statement, noting that for over five decades, the company has created games and worlds that have stayed deeply embedded in popular culture long after their initial release. He expressed excitement about partnering with Universal and Entertainment 360 to bring the spirit of the iconic brand into a new medium.

The partnership promises more than just nostalgia; it suggests an opportunity to explore how the foundational concepts of these early games can translate into compelling, large-scale storytelling for the modern blockbuster age. It is a fascinating step in bridging the gap between retro gaming history and contemporary cinema.