‘The Last Of Us’ & ‘Superman’ Star Isabela Merced To Lead Movie Version Of Sega’s Zombie Videogame Classic ‘The House Of The Dead’ — EFM

EXCLUSIVE: Yesterday we brought you news of a hot game-to-TV adaptation from Craig Mazin. Today, we can break news that The Last Of Us, Superman and Alien: Romulus star Isabela Merced has been set to lead the movie adaptation of hit Sega videogame franchise, The House Of The Dead.

As we first told you a little while back, this one should be in good hands with writer-director Paul W.S. Anderson, who did big things on screen for fellow zombie franchise classic Resident Evil.

First released in 1997, The House of the Dead was a fast-paced, horror shooter with a groundbreaking zombie premise. That included the innovation of giving its undead villains the ability to run, something that inspired films from Zack Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead remake to Marc Forster-directed World War Z. It was The House of the Dead that first evolved the flesh-eaters from the lumbering stumblers that George Romero brought to life in his movies. In the arcade game, players take on the role of AMS agents, a government agency tasked with thwarting the conspiracies of organizations that threaten the world. The title comes from the bureau they work for, because their life expectancies are brief.

Rocket Science will launch international sales at next week’s European Film Market and the partners very much see it as a franchise starter. CAA Media Finance is repping domestic.

Anderson will produce alongside his Resident Evil partner Jeremy Bolt, Sega’s Toru Nakahara (Sonic the Hedgehog) and Story Kitchen’s Dmitri M. Johnson (Tomb Raider TV series), Michael Lawrence Goldberg and Timothy I. Stevenson. Isabela Merced will be executive-producing.

The movie is described to us as “a top Sega priority” after the success of Sonic the Hedgehog, with the idea to make it as immersive as possible and with a story that plays out in real-time but with a “fresh take” on the franchise.

Merced recently starred as Hawkgirl in Superman from director James Gunn and will reprise the role in the upcoming Man of Tomorrow. She starred in season two of The Last of Us and is set to return for season three, and is also known for 20th Century Studios’ hit Alien: Romulus. She will next be seen in features Psyche and Ibelin.

Anderson said: “The House of the Dead is a game I have loved for many years, and I’m beyond thrilled to be bringing this to the big screen with such an exciting talent as Isabela at its heart. We envisage this as the start of a tentpole franchise which can explore the rich world and lore that SEGA has created over a whole series of films.”

Nakahara added: “Working with Isabela is a thrilling opportunity as she embodies the heroine character perfectly, bringing dynamic energy to the production. We’re dedicated to crafting a visually striking and immersive experience by introducing compelling actors and terrifying creatures that will bring the House of the Dead universe to life on the big screen. With our deep understanding of video game adaptations, we’re eager to deliver an electrifying cinematic journey for the franchise’s fans.”

Story Kitchen commented: “We’re thrilled to bring together Isabela, Paul, Jeremy and SEGA, alongside our partners at Rocket Science and CAA Media Finance. It’s a powerhouse group coming together for a truly iconic property.”

Merced is represented by CAA and Peikoff Mahan; Anderson by CAA, Ken Kamins at Key Creatives & Alexander Lea at Wiggin; Bolt by Alexander Lea at Wiggin; Story Kitchen by WME and Pryor Cashman; Toru Nakahara negotiated on behalf of SEGA.