Sega's New Live-Action Film: A 30-Year-Old Fighting Game

Sega has confirmed that it is developing a live-action movie adaptation of the classic fighting game, Eternal Champions, which was originally released in 1993. This announcement comes as Hollywood continues to explore the gaming world for new cinematic material, riding the wave of successful adaptations like Sonic the Hedgehog and The Last of Us. Eternal Champions features historical figures pulled into a tournament by the titular Champion, a concept that riffs off popular titles such as Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. Despite its intriguing premise, the game has not seen a new entry in nearly three decades, making it a surprising choice for a film. The film is being produced by Skydance and written by Derek Connolly, known for his work on franchises like Jurassic World and Pokémon Detective Pikachu.

Eternal Champions is a fighting game that features iconic historical characters who are brought together for a tournament, allowing them a chance to rewrite their fates after dying in their original timelines. With its unique premise, the game attempted to capture the popularity of 90s fighting games but has remained largely dormant since its sequel and spin-offs.

Released on the Sega Mega Drive, Eternal Champions was Sega's ambitious attempt to rival the success of contemporary fighters. It introduced a diverse cast and compelling storyline, although it didn't achieve the same lasting fame as its competitors. The upcoming movie adaptation may reignite interest in the franchise and potentially lead to a resurgence of gaming content in film. Sega's other successful adaptations, including the Sonic films and the Yakuza series, pave the way for renewed interest in their iconic titles.