Sydney Sweeney Leads Split Movie Adaptation

Sydney Sweeney has been confirmed for the lead role in the upcoming film adaptation of Hazelight Studios' hit game Split Fiction.

Reports emerged last month that Story Kitchen, the production company behind Sonic the Hedgehog's successful video game adaptations, was developing a movie version and assembling creative talent.

Variety reveals the project is now moving forward with Sydney Sweeney of Madame Web fame attached to star. Jon M. Chu, director of Wicked, is onboard to helm the film, while Deadpool & Wolverine screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick penned the script. The package is reportedly being shopped to major Hollywood studios, sparking anticipated bidding interest.

A key casting question remains whether Sweeney will portray twin protagonists Zoe or Mio - Variety reports this decision hasn't been finalized.

Despite launching only last March, Split Fiction became an instant commercial success for Hazelight and creator Josef Fares, surpassing 2 million copies sold within its first week. The acclaimed title is also slated as a Nintendo Switch 2 launch game.

IGN awarded Split Fiction a stellar 9/10 review, praising its dynamic cooperative gameplay: "A masterclass in collaborative play, Split Fiction delivers relentless innovation across multiple genres, creating an experience that's extraordinarily difficult to put down."

The adaptation joins Hazelight's other major project - a planned film version of their 23 million-selling title It Takes Two, potentially starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

While video game adaptations historically faced challenges, Hollywood's recent successes demonstrate growing confidence in bringing interactive properties to the big screen.

Story Kitchen continues expanding its video game IP portfolio, including announced adaptations of Square Enix's Just Cause (with Blue Beetle director Ángel Manuel Soto attached), along with Dredge, Kingmakers, and Sleeping Dogs. Its unconventional projects extend even to a live-action Toys 'R' Us film.

Meanwhile, Hazelight has already begun teasing development of their next highly anticipated game title.