Remedy Entertainment’s iconic games set to expand into film and TV
A new chapter for ‘Alan Wake’ and ‘Control’
The worlds of “Alan Wake” and “Control” are set to leap from the gaming console to the big and small screens. In a groundbreaking move, Annapurna has announced a partnership with Remedy Entertainment to develop and produce film, TV, and other audiovisual projects based on these beloved franchises. This collaboration also includes co-producing and co-financing the highly anticipated video game sequel, “Control 2.”
Remedy’s vision for storytelling
Tero Virtala, CEO of Remedy Entertainment, expressed his enthusiasm for this new venture: “At Remedy, our primary focus continues to be what we do best—crafting industry-defining video games that have earned us global recognition. Now, the time is right to expand the reach of Remedy’s beloved franchises to an even broader global audience through film, television, and more. In Annapurna, we have found an outstanding partner who shares our ambition and passion for immersive storytelling. We are excited to see them bring the universes and characters we have created to life in new mediums, thanks to this unique deal.”
The legacy of ‘Alan Wake’
The long-awaited Alan Wake 2, a sequel to the popular 2010 survival horror game, has already made waves in the gaming community. Following the harrowing journey of writer Alan Wake, who has been trapped in a terrifying alternate dimension for 13 years, the game quickly became Remedy’s fastest-selling title. It garnered critical acclaim, earning nominations for Game of the Year at the 2023 Video Game Awards and winning accolades for best game direction, narrative, and art direction.
The eerie allure of ‘Control’
Control (2019) is another standout title from Remedy, set in the mysterious offices of the Federal Bureau of Control, an agency investigating paranormal phenomena. Players follow Jesse Faden, who uses her supernatural powers to uncover the secrets of the FBC. The game’s universe is intricately connected to the “Alan Wake” world, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling. “Control” was also a contender for Game of the Year at the 2019 VGAs and won for best art direction. A sequel is already in the works, promising to delve deeper into its enigmatic narrative.
A partnership built on innovation
Hector Sanchez, Annapurna’s President of Interactive and New Media, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “This deal with Remedy isn’t just about adapting great games—it’s about breaking new ground in how companies can collaborate. By backing Remedy’s move toward self-publishing, we’re putting our faith in their vision. We know from experience that Remedy is a first-class games development partner, and we’re excited to share their work with an even wider audience by bringing the Control and Alan Wake universes to film, television, and beyond.”
The future of storytelling
Annapurna CEO Megan Ellison added, “The way we tell stories is changing. Today people fall in love with characters and universes, not formats, and we’re excited to leverage Remedy’s beloved, immersive narratives in these new mediums.”
Personal reflections for enthusiasts
For fans of cinema, TV series, and music, this announcement is a thrilling development. The transition of “Alan Wake” and “Control” from video games to film and TV offers a unique opportunity to experience these stories in new and exciting ways. The immersive worlds created by Remedy are ripe for exploration on the big screen, and the potential for deep, character-driven narratives is immense.
As a personal reflection, the idea of seeing Alan Wake’s psychological horror unfold in a cinematic format is particularly enticing. The game’s atmospheric storytelling and complex characters could translate beautifully to film, offering a fresh perspective on the narrative. Similarly, the enigmatic and visually stunning world of “Control” has the potential to captivate audiences in a TV series format, where its intricate plot and supernatural elements can be explored in greater depth.
Expanding the universe
This partnership between Annapurna and Remedy is not just about adapting existing stories; it’s about expanding the universes of “Alan Wake” and “Control” in innovative ways. By bringing these narratives to new mediums, there is an opportunity to delve deeper into the lore, explore new storylines, and introduce these beloved characters to a broader audience.
For those eager to dive into these worlds, you can check out the trailers and information pages for Alan Wake 2 and Control to get a taste of what’s to come. The future of storytelling is here, and it’s an exciting time to be a fan of immersive, narrative-driven experiences.