During Sony’s CES 2024 presentation, audiences were treated to an unexpected preview of the forthcoming Gravity Rush movie. Although no official release date or plot details were disclosed, the showcased footage highlighted Torchlight, Sony’s latest visualization technology. This sequence depicted one of the film’s characters making a daring leap off a building, only to encounter a red, winged demon amidst the debris, poised for battle. The video alternated between CGI and motion capture clips, dispelling earlier rumors suggesting the film would adopt a live-action format. Anna Mastro, known for her work on Secret Society of Second Born Royals, is set to direct the movie, with a script penned by Emily Jerome, who previously wrote for Panopticon.
The original Gravity Rush game was developed by the now-defunct Japan Studio, following the story of Kat, an amnesiac heroine who awakens in the aerial city of Hekseville. Kat possesses the ability to manipulate gravity, enabling her to traverse walls, defy gravity, and engage airborne adversaries. Released on the PlayStation Vita in 2012, the game utilized the console’s tilt controls for enhanced navigation within its expansive open world. Players embarked on quests handed out by local inhabitants while battling the Nevi, an alien species of monsters. Following its initial launch, Gravity Rush was remastered for the PS4 and later received a sequel in 2017. Despite critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base, both titles struggled to achieve commercial success.
The upcoming Gravity Rush film adds to the growing roster of projects under Sony’s PlayStation Productions label, which previously gained attention with the Tom Holland-led Uncharted movie. This label has also produced the Emmy-nominated series The Last of Us, the Gran Turismo film featuring David Harbour, and a new adaptation of Twisted Metal for Peacock. Furthermore, the team is currently developing a Netflix series inspired by the post-apocalyptic game Horizon Zero Dawn and a God of War adaptation for Amazon Prime Video. Sony confirmed at its CES event that writing is in progress for both shows. The Horizon series will be directed by Steve Blackman, noted for creating The Umbrella Academy, and will follow young huntress Aloy as she evolves from an outcast into a formidable warrior against hostile machines.
In contrast, the God of War series is being helmed by Rafe Judkins, known for his work on The Wheel of Time. It is expected to mirror the storyline from the 2018 game, focusing on the journey of the exiled Kratos and his son Atreus as they travel to the peak of the nine realms to fulfill their mother’s last wish. Details regarding casting or release dates for either adaptation remain under wraps.
Additionally, Sony appears to be exploring a new project related to Patapon, which may involve a remaster of the iconic rhythm strategy game or a potential anime. Torchlight, the newly established studio space, is envisioned as a hub for such innovative endeavors.
