Dead_Island2_Art01 05 Aug

Deep Silver has partnered with Occupant Entertainment to create a film adaptation of the Dead Island franchise, Deadline reports.

Lions Gate acquired the rights to make and distribute a Dead Island feature film in 2011, however changes throughout the company’s management caused the project to stall, and the rights returned to Dead Island publisher Deep Silver.

Deep Silver and Occupant have not released an specifics about the film yet, but have reportedly fast-tracked the film for an early 2015 start and hopes to premiere it at Berlin or Cannes.

“Deep Silver has created a highly successful game franchise based on very cinematic, widely viewed and well received trailers, which provide a great template for launching a film franchise with a distinctive and commercial take on the zombie apocalypse,” Occupant partners Joe Neurauter and Felipe Marino said, in part. “We want to find the right filmmaker and present somewhat of an open canvas, to make something distinct and original that also appeals to and expands the core audience.”

“The Dead Island universe offers a rich and unique setting that can expand beyond the pure gaming experience,” said Koch Media CEO Dr. Klemens Kundratitz. “We are very much looking forward to seeing Dead Island open up to new audiences and showing off the fun everybody at Deep Silver has with this brand.”

(via GameInformer)