The Last of Us film adaptation in development

A film adaptation of The Last of Us is in development, Deadline has revealed.

Deadline revealed late yesterday that Screen Gems has signed on to distribute a film adaptation of the critically acclaimed apocalyptic survival-thriller.

Neil Druckmann, creative director at Naughty Dog – the game’s developer – and writer for the game will also write the script for the film whilst Sam Raimi, director of the original Spider-Man trilogy, is attached as director.

Raimi’s Ghosts House Pictures studio is also attached to the project.

Screen Gems president Clint Culpepper told Deadline: “Screen Gems’ Brian Dukes and Eric Ling brought this game to my attention insisting we go after it, and when I saw the quality of the storytelling, I knew the audience for this project was far greater than just the gaming community and that Neil Druckmann must write the screenplay.”

“I am thrilled that SCEA’s Riley Russell was able to get me in front of Neil and Evan Wells to plead my case. Sam and his team at Ghost House round out the perfect team to help realize Neil’s vision.”

The Last of Us launched in May 2013 to worldwide critical acclaim for its emotional story and immersive environments, selling 3.4 million copies three weeks after launch. It has gone on to win seven Game of the Year awards and is nominated for a further three.

Naughty Dog recently released the first and only story DLC for the game, titled Left Behind, on Valentine’s Day.

Serving as a prequel to the events of The Last of Us, Left Behind follows original co-protagonist Ellie and her best friend Riley as they attend a military boarding school in the Boston quarantine zone. Players follow their adventure through a series of events that changes them both forever.

Roobla recently awarded the game a perfect 10 for it’s immensely gripping story and use of sound & environments.

Talk of a sequel have been surfacing over the last few months with Neil Druckmann revealing talks about a sequel have already begun and would have a 50/50 chance of happening.

Naughty Dog has also released a feature length documentary about the making of The Last of Us and a mini-documentary for the making of Left Behind.