Released in 2019, Days Gone is an action-adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world infested with zombie-like beings called Freakers. The game follows Deacon St. John on his story through the lands of Oregon.
As of January 2022, Days Gone has sold over 9 million copies so it is no surprise that PlayStation Productions is eyeing this IP as a blockbuster hit after the success of the Uncharted movie, which brought in a total of 401.7 million USD. However, the sales of Days Gone pale in comparison to the sales of the most recent Uncharted game, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, which over 37 million people played as of May 2021.
According to an exclusive report from Deadline, Sheldon Turner’s Days Gone adaptation will be a modern-day western “love ballad to motorcycle movies.” Both Vendetta Productions and Sony PlayStation Productions are set to produce the film.
On the other hand, fans of Days Gone have not been too keen on the announcement that Sam Heughan will star as the protagonist since Deacon St. John was originally voiced by Sam Witwer. He provided his voice and motion capture for St. John in the video game so the character model would sound, act, and look like him.
Sam Witwer in full motion capture as Deacon St. John
Many video game industry icons have expressed their discontent with the casting announcement. Both Cory Barlog, Game Director of God of War (2018), and Jeff Ross, Design Director at Crystal Dynamics, have tweeted in favor of Sam Witwer being their pick for the role of Deacon St. John in the adaptation.
dude. sam witwer is deacon.
would watch the hell out of a movie with him in it. pic.twitter.com/YudGQ4n2e8
— cory barlog (@corybarlog) August 20, 2022
Even the original Days Gone writer, John Garvin, went to Twitter to give his thoughts on the development of the Days Gone film.
I have thoughts:
1. I’m not involved. I’m busy writing #ashfall
2. I’d love a “created by” credit, but Sony owns the IP and is under no obligation
3. I’d love to see a #daysgone movie
4. They’d be crazy not to cast @SamWitwer as Deacon. He IS Deacon
5. It’s probably vaporware https://t.co/40JmYDzU16— John Garvin (@John_Garvin) August 19, 2022
There is no release window for this upcoming film, but Days Gone joins the evergrowing list of PlayStation exclusives to receive this type of announcement. In the next few years, PlayStation fans can look forward to TV series like The Last of Us on HBO, God of War on Amazon Prime, Horizon on Netflix and Twisted Metal on Peacock. As well as movies like Ghost of Tsushima, Jack and Daxter and Grand Turismo.
[wpdiscuz-feedback id=”iyz2o1l9qs” question=”Which IP adaptation are you most excited about? And do you think Sam Witwer should be cast as Deacon St. John? ” opened=”1″]Which IP adaptation are you most excited about? And do you think Sam Witwer should be cast as Deacon St. John? Let us know in the comments![/wpdiscuz-feedback]
Nitebird
Absolutely should be Sam Witwer. He’s an excellent actor and he IS Deacon St. John. Totally crazy and insulting on multiple levels to cast anyone else!
Max Lemke
I feel like casting Sam would be more enticing for fans of Days Gone to go and watch this adaptation on the big screen. At least that’s how I would feel if Daisuke Tsuji was cast in the Ghost of Tsushima movie.
Abigail Westwood
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this. On the one hand it would be epic if pulled off correctly. However it does run the risk of being “The Walking Dead ft motorbikes”, and seeing as the game has you spend 40+ hours with Deacon it does seem a big shame to take away his likeness we grew to love. Only time will tell I guess!
Max Lemke
I totally agree! It could definitely end up being a very rushed and cliché zombie movie. But I am always hopeful!