Netflix’s upcoming BioShock film adaptation has reportedly suffered from a range of delays, with progress being relatively slow, and a script remaining uncompleted. The latest update was provided by producer Roy Lee (via The Direct), who noted that while there is great enthusiasm for the film – which has now been confirmed as an adaptation of the first BioShock game – script work remains a hurdle.
That’s not to mention director Francis Lawrence’s schedule. Per Lee, Lawrence remains incredibly busy with projects, including the newly-released The Long Walk, as well as the upcoming The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The Long Walk was seemingly made possible because of BioShock‘s recent troubles, in fact.
‘Well, The Long Walk became a reality because BioShock was delayed for a little bit where we had to do some more script work,’ Lee told The Direct. ‘And so as the script work is being done, we shot The Long Walk.’
Lee further explained that Sunrise of the Reaping also complicated things, as Lawrence was committed to this film prior to BioShock‘s script troubles. So, it’s ‘just waiting for him whenever the Hunger Games is completed, and the script is just being worked on right now.’
Read: Borderlands 4 preview: storming the castle, guns blazing
In short: Lawrence and Lee remain on board for Netflix’s BioShock, but it’s a matter of juggling multiple projects, and nailing down a script that best serves the beloved game.
The update is a little bit disheartening for those who’ve waited patiently for more news. After all, Netflix announced the BioShock film adaptation with some confidence in 2022, and there was an assumption that the project was soon to be released.
Now, it does seem it remains stuck in the scripting phase, with no announced cast or filming dates on the horizon. Lawrence’s directorial obligations will also prevent the project from moving forward soon, with filming for Sunrise on the Reaping currently underway, and not expected to conclude until the end of 2025.
Per Lee, BioShock could be next in line for Lawrence’s full attention, but we’ll just have to wait to see whether this eventuates. For now, it’s best not to hold your breath for new updates on what Netflix has planned.
Also on ScreenHub: MIGW 2025: Full program announced, here’s the highlights
Melbourne International Games Week (MIGW) 2025 is right around the corner, running from 4-12 October 2025 in Melbourne, Australia, and beyond. This year’s show lineup is bigger than ever, with an array of 70 tie-in shows, conferences, and celebrations available to everyone who loves video games – whether they’re a games industry professional, enthusiast, or just keen to learn more.
The usual stalwarts of MIGW are back, with professionals able to take part in Games Connect Asia Pacific (GCAP) and the Australian Game Developer Awards (AGDAs), between 6-8 October 2025, and PAX Aus 2025 opening its doors to gaming fans from 10-12 October 2025. The annual Big Games Night Out celebration also returns, alongside a ‘Little Games Night Out’ segment for younger gaming fans, on 9 October 2025.
But there’s plenty new in this year’s show as well, with ACMI hosting a range of informative talks, and having its Game Worlds exhibit on show throughout MIGW 2025 (and well into the new year). One major highlight worth noting at ACMI is Celeste: In Conversation with Maddy Thorson and Noel Berry on 6 October 2025, a talk featuring the developers of Celeste discussing the game’s success and impact.
