Tech
‘Alan Wake’ and ‘Control’ Film, TV Projects in the Works From Annapurna and Remedy
The worlds of “Alan Wake” and “Control” are the latest video games getting the film and TV treatment.
Annapurna announced Thursday that is has partnered with Remedy Entertainment, the developer of the popular video games, to develop and produce film, TV and audiovisual projects based on the “Alan Wake” and “Control” franchises. Annapurna will also co-produce and co-finance the upcoming video game sequel “Control 2.”
“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.” commented Tero Virtala, CEO of Remedy Entertainment.
The long-awaited “Alan Wake 2,” a sequel to the popular 2010 survival horror game, became Remedy’s fastest-selling game of all time. It followed writer Alan Wake, who’s been trapped in a terrifying alternate dimension for 13 years. It was nominated for game of the year at the 2023 Video Game Awards, and won for best game direction, narrative and art direction.
“Control” (2019) is an action adventure game set in the eerie offices of the Federal Bureau of Control, an agency that investigates paranormal phenomena. Main character Jesse Faden uses her own supernatural powers to investigate the FBC, and the world includes many connections to the “Alan Wake” universe. “Control” was also up for game of the year at the 2019 VGAs and won for best art direction. A sequel is in the works.
“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,” said Hector Sanchez, Annapurna’s President of Interactive and New Media. “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 way we tell stories is changing,” said Annapurna CEO Megan Ellison. “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.”