Netflix developing feature film adaptation of video game ‘Kingmakers’

Netflix is developing a feature film adaptation of the upcoming action-strategy sandbox game Kingmakers, securing the rights through a collaboration with Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps and Story Kitchen.

The script adaptation is being handled by Canadian writer-director Christopher MacBride.

Kingmakers, developed by Redemption Road Games and published by tinyBuild, is set in medieval Great Britain. Players navigate a war-torn era using a vast arsenal of modern weapons, influencing historical events while participating in massive, real-time simulated battles. Plot details for the film remain under wraps, but Netflix’s acquisition signals a major push to bring video game content to the big screen.

The film’s production team includes Levy and Dan Levine of 21 Laps, along with Story Kitchen’s Dmitri M. Johnson, Michael Lawrence Goldberg, and Timothy L. Stevenson. Emily Feher from 21 Laps and Elena Sandoval from Story Kitchen will oversee development, while tinyBuild’s Alex Nichiporchik and Jon Carnage will serve as executive producers.

MacBride is known for writing and directing Flashback (2021) and his breakout festival hit The Conspiracy (2012). He also recently worked on The Wolf for Amazon and rewrote Face/Off 2 for Paramount Pictures with Adam Wingard attached to direct. He is represented by Range, CAA, and Hansen Jacobsen.

21 Laps, which produces Stranger Things and the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter starring Ryan Gosling, continues to expand its footprint in high-profile franchise projects. Story Kitchen is also developing adaptations of Tomb Raider, Life is Strange, Teddy Ruxpin, and Just Cause for major studios including Amazon MGM and Universal.

This adaptation marks Netflix’s latest effort to leverage popular video game properties for feature films, combining the creative experience of 21 Laps, Story Kitchen, and MacBride’s filmmaking expertise.