In a world where new video game adaptations are being announced every day, it’s hard to keep track of what’s in development, what’s progressing and what’s on the horizon. As it turns out, FX’s Far Cry series, which had been flying under the radar, is breaking out from the pack.
The newly-announced, Noah Hawley and Rob Mac-led series has already begun recruiting a stellar cast, although plenty of mystery remains about their roles, and what exactly the Far Cry series will adapt.
Steve Buscemi (Wednesday, Boardwalk Empire) is the latest name to board the series, and he will star alongside the previously-announced Lizzy Caplin (Castle Rock, Masters of Sex) and Rob Mac (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia).
FX’s Far Cry recruits Steve Buscemi – quick links
What to know about FX’s Far Cry series adaptation
For now, very little is known about FX’s Far Cry series and which parts of the popular Ubisoft game series it will adapt. It’s worth noting the games are largely unique, with each entry in the franchise telling a different story – usually involving a fresh protagonist needing to conquer rough terrain to confront a wild villain.
Far Cry games aren’t typically linked by their story, with the series defined more by its approach to first-person exploration, and how its villains typically take centre stage. Often, they are the most memorable parts of the adventure, buoyed by their charisma and flamboyance.
So far, we know FX’s Far Cry will be an anthology series with standalone stories in each season, reflecting the nature of the games. Per details confirmed by Deadline, it does appear the plan is to introduce a new setting and cast in each season, should it prove popular enough to continue.
The real question is whether this adaptation will actually be inspired by the games at all, or whether it’ll simply learn lessons from the franchise format.
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Who could Steve Buscemi be playing in FX’s Far Cry?
There is a fair degree of secrecy around Far Cry‘s casting, although we can make some assumptions on Buscemi’s name. He’s a fairly high-profile actor, and is well-known for playing more villainous roles. Should FX’s adaptation be looking to hang the action on a charismatic and charming antagonist, then Buscemi is a very good choice.
As for who he might be playing, the obvious answer is that the series will be telling an original story, with original characters.
The best-known villains of Far Cry are Vaas Montenegro (played by actor Michael Mando in his game appearance), the flamboyant Pagan Min, cult leader Joseph Seed and dictator Antón Castillo (portrayed by actor Giancarlo Esposito).
At a guess, the only villain here that would suit Buscemi in any capacity would be Joseph Seed, for an adaptation of Far Cry 5 that deals with the rise of doomsday cults and fears around the apocalypse. With its American (Montana) setting, and the current atmosphere of the world, this would certainly make for a relevant adaptation.
For now though, FX is yet to confirm whether its upcoming series will directly adapt the games at all, so it’s best to stay tuned to see what develops as casting continues. We expect to see further additions to the cast in the coming months as production appears to be continuing at speed.
Also on ScreenHub: Why are so many video games being adapted for film and TV?
Every day, it seems a new video game film or TV adaptation is announced with a shiny press release confirming a team of fans and appreciators who’ll faithfully retell the events for a new audience. Prime Video is currently riding high off multiple Emmy nominations for its Fallout TV adaptation. Aussie-shot blockbuster film Mortal Kombat 2 launched in May to strong reviews from its audience.
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