In rather surprising news, Ubisoft has announced that their acclaimed video game franchise Far Cry is getting a TV show. Which on its own might not be too shocking but the creators behind it, is what surprised me.
FX has placed a series order for Far Cry to stream on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally. The limited series from Executive Producers Noah Hawley and Rob McElhenney (Rob Mac), with Mac set in the starring role, is based on Ubisoft’s global hit video game franchise of the same title and the series will retain Far Cry’s signature standalone storytelling format, with each season set in a new setting following a new cast of characters.
The project comes from longstanding FX producers Rob Mac, Creator of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Executive Producer of the Emmy®-winning Welcome to Wrexham, who is producing through his production banner More Better Productions, and Noah Hawley, who recently signed a new overall deal with FX and Disney Entertainment Television. Hawley, producing through his 26 Keys production banner, created FX’s Emmy-winning anthology series Fargo and Alien: Earth for television, which was recently renewed for another season and achieved a 92% Fresh Rotten Tomatoes score.
Here’s what the people involved had to say regarding the announcement:
“FX has had magnificent partnerships with Rob Mac and Noah Hawley for a combined six series and 32 seasons of television, and we couldn’t be more excited that they are teaming up for Far Cry,” said Nick Grad, President, FX Entertainment. “I have no doubt that they will tell this story in a way that is original, gripping and wildly entertaining. We also want to thank our partners at Ubisoft for entrusting us with this beloved property.”
“Getting to work alongside Noah Hawley is a dream realized,” said Rob Mac. “Ubisoft has been remarkably generous, entrusting us with one of the most iconic video-game worlds ever created. And through it all, my FX family continues to lift me up with their constant belief and support.”
“What I love about the Far Cry game franchise is it’s an anthology. Each game is a variation of a theme, the same way each season of Fargo is a variation on a theme,” said Hawley. “To create a big action show that can change from year to year, while always exploring the nature of humanity through this complex and chaotic lens is a dream come true. I’m excited to partner with Rob and bring our shared irreverent, ambitious sensibility to the screen.”
I will admit that an anthology series feels right for Far Cry when you consider that each game is completely individual. However, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have some reservations around the idea of Far Cry being a show. The games have funny moments but they aren’t comedies and with Rob McElhenney not only producing, but taking on a leading role. I can’t help but imagine that this show might go into more of a comedic direction than fans would like or the franchise deserves. Like always, time will tell and we will keep an eye out for any updates regarding the show.
My one piece of advice is do right by the fans, after since 2004, Far Cry has more than 100 million unique players and is one of Ubisoft’s most popular franchises. Best known for unique stories and memorable antagonists. The latest opus, Far Cry 6, which featured Giancarlo Esposito as the antagonist, Antón, was released on October 6, 2021.
Source: Press Release
