Chad Stahelski, the director behind the John Wick series, is no stranger to adrenaline-pumping action. Now he’s set to harness that energy into video game adaptations, particularly with projects such as Ghost of Tsushima and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six. These ventures place him at the forefront of a reinvigorated era of video game adaptations – a genre that’s seen a resurgence thanks to the smashing success of films like the Mario movie and award-winning TV shows like The Last of Us. Stahelski’s entry into this genre isn’t just timely; it could be transformative, given his knack for cinematic spectacle.
Rainbow Six, in particular, is drumming up considerable excitement, especially with Michael B. Jordan tapped to star as John Clark, a character pivotal not just to Tom Clancy’s literary world but also to the Ryanverse. However, as revealed on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, there’s a wrinkle in this high-profile adaptation – the Hollywood strikes have forced Stahelski and Jordan to hit pause.
While Stahelski expressed disappointment about the halt, his dedication to the project remains strong. “I would love, love, love to work with Michael B. Jordan on Rainbow Six,” Stahelski noted, underlining that he and Jordan have not yet commenced working together on the project due to the ongoing strikes.
The film is further complicated by its dual pedigree – it’s both an adaptation of Tom Clancy’s novel and Ubisoft’s first-person shooter video game series, which has garnered a massive following since its inception in 1998.
Michael B. Jordan, already well-received in his role as John Clark in the 2021 film Without Remorse, will reprise his role as the leader of Rainbow, an international counterterrorist organization. The timeline for Rainbow Six has already been a drawn-out affair, dating back to 2017 when Paramount Pictures announced its intention to adapt the novel into a film. Fast forward to 2018, Jordan was cast as John Clark. Now, years later, the strikes have jammed the gears once more, making it clear that Rainbow Six won’t be hitting screens anytime soon.
While the Rainbow Six project may be stalled indefinitely, Stahelski’s passion for the perpetually delayed film as well as the in-development live-action adaptation of Ghost of Tsushima has yet to wane.
Described as one of his “biggest passion projects,” the Ghost of Tsushima film promises to be a cinematic ode to one of the most visually arresting video games ever crafted. As with Rainbow Six, Stahelski feels a strong connection with this project and is keen on seeing it to fruition. Although Ghost of Tsushima hasn’t been struck by the same setbacks as the Rainbow Six movie, Stahelski’s crowded slate – including another installment in the Highlander series – leaves us wondering when any of these projects will actually materialize.
If the history of video game adaptations teaches us anything, it’s to temper expectations. For decades, these films were notorious for missing the mark—until recently. With the paradigm shift brought on by recent successes, the potential for Stahelski to elevate the genre is significant. Pairing his cinematic vision with Michael B. Jordan’s proven capacity for dynamic roles – as seen in Creed and Black Panther – could offer something special, something that lives up to the multi-dimensional storytelling found in modern video games.
While the uncertainty lingers, fans have a trove of material to engage with in preparation for these films. From diving into Tom Clancy’s novels to navigating the stunning landscapes in the Ghost of Tsushima video game, there’s plenty to keep fans occupied. And let’s not forget Without Remorse; if you haven’t seen it yet, it offers a glimpse into what could become of Rainbow Six – especially if you stick around after the credits.
In a realm where Hollywood is increasingly turning to pre-existing IP for its next big hit, Stahelski’s efforts, if they come to fruition, could set a new standard – not just for video game adaptations, but for action cinema as a whole.
