Exciting new details about Sony’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the beloved Horizon video game series have emerged from an unexpected source: court documents related to an ongoing lawsuit between Sony and Tencent. These filings, not originally intended for public release, shed light on the film’s projected timeline.
According to a sworn declaration by Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Productions, the Horizon movie is targeting a 2027 release. His testimony, filed on October 16, also confirms that a “working script” is already in place, and the production team is actively seeking a director. While specific directorial candidates remain undisclosed, the ambition is to commence filming in 2026, leading up to that 2027 theatrical debut.
This film is a collaborative effort between PlayStation Productions and Columbia Pictures, both entities under the Sony umbrella. This partnership has previously brought successful adaptations like the Uncharted movie starring Tom Holland and Gran Turismo to the big screen.
The information came to light during a lawsuit where Sony accused Tencent of developing a “slavish clone” called Light of Motiram, allegedly ripping off the Horizon franchise. Qizilbash underscored the importance of Horizon‘s protagonist, Aloy, describing her as a “key icon” for PlayStation, vital to the console’s strategy of building enduring franchises.
Interestingly, the Horizon universe almost saw a live-action Netflix series. However, reports from last year indicated that this project stalled due to workplace misconduct allegations against The Umbrella Academy showrunner, Steve Blackman.
The Horizon movie is just one piece of a much larger puzzle, as Sony’s PlayStation Productions is busy with numerous other adaptations. Upcoming projects include a Helldivers film, Ghost of Tsushima anime and movie ventures, a Days Gone movie, and a God of War TV series. Furthermore, the critically acclaimed The Last of Us TV show, based on the Naughty Dog game, is slated to return in 2027 for its third and potentially final season.
Another fascinating tidbit from the Sony vs. Tencent lawsuit documents revealed that Tencent had actually proposed collaborating with Sony on both The Last of Us and Horizon game projects. Sony reportedly declined Tencent’s offer for a Horizon game, which ultimately led to Tencent developing Light of Motiram—a title Sony has since labeled a blatant imitation.