The wait for the live-action adaptation of Ghost of Tsushima has been quite an enduring one. It appears that the film is finally taking shape now that the writer’s strike has come to an end.
John Wick series director Chad Stahelski has given a very positive update about the progress of the movie project that he’s helming. In an interview with Screen Rant, the director revealed that the script for Ghost of Tsushima has been completed. He adds that the project is moving forward despite the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike which makes casting a bit complicated.
“We have a script, we’re very close to getting our shit together on that, as well,” Stahelski shared. “Development is always tricky. It’s studios, it’s strikes, and availabilities, and scouting. You have to will things into existence. I think the two things that I am closest and most interested in are Highlander and Ghost of Tsushima. Both amazing, amazing properties, the story of Ghost is, also, one of my favorite properties of all time.”
The updates from Stahelski are pretty exciting for fans of the Sucker Punch title and video game movies. However, the director did leave things pretty vague in terms of the film’s exact status. Naturally, casting will have to wait until the Actors’ strike concludes. However, Stahelski did say that the movie would be in Japanese so it may involve actors that are not members of the SAG-AFTRA.
The production team has its work cut out as Stahelski aims to “try and not only live up to but exceed” the game’s visuals. Ghost of Tsushima is one of the most visually impressive titles to release on the PS4. It is an extremely high bar to set for the movie, even for a director with Stahelski’s credentials.
The director previously said that his experience with the John Wick series will influence how he approaches Ghost of Tsushima. He shared that breakthroughs in video technology will aid the production team in recreating the feel of the video game. Stahelski used John Wick: Chapter 4 as an example of how far the crew can push the medium in terms of contrasting colors. The director intends to use the same techniques to bring Tsushima Island’s vibrant world to life.
Aside from Ghost of Tsushima, Stahelski is also working on the Highlander reboot. Henry Cavill is reportedly back on board and the movie reportedly has a budget north of $100 million. There were previous reports that Cavill was being replaced by Chris Hemsworth for the film but it is now debunked.
Ghost of Tsushima does not have a release window yet.
