Amazon Greenlights Life Is Strange TV Series After Nine Years

Amazon MGM Studios has officially confirmed the greenlight of a television adaptation of the popular video game franchise, Life is Strange. This marks a significant milestone after nearly nine years of development discussions. The series will be produced under a straight-to-series order, indicating strong confidence in the project.

At the helm of the adaptation is Charlie Covell, known for his work on acclaimed series such as The End of the F***king World and Kaos. Covell expressed his enthusiasm in a recent statement, saying, “It’s a huge honor to be adapting Life Is Strange for Amazon MGM Studios. I am a massive fan of the game, and I’m thrilled to be working with the incredible teams at Square Enix, Story Kitchen and LuckyChap.” The involvement of Square Enix, the rights holder of the game series, adds credibility to the adaptation, ensuring that the essence of the original narrative is preserved.

The storyline will focus on the central characters, Max and Chloe, from the first game, which is renowned for its unique gameplay mechanic allowing players to rewind time. This concept will bring a fresh dynamic to the television format, as Covell noted, “I can’t wait to share Max and Chloe’s story with fellow players and new audiences alike.”

The project has seen various developments over the past decade, including the mention of singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes in 2021 as a potential music overseer for the series, though it remains unclear if he is still attached to the project.

The announcement of Life is Strange comes during a busy period for video game adaptations. Recently, Paramount revealed its plans for a Call of Duty movie, while Amazon introduced Sophie Turner as the lead in its upcoming Tomb Raider series. Furthermore, Netflix cancelled its adaptation of The Legend of Lara Croft, and details emerged about the release date and cast for a new Street Fighter film.

The Life is Strange series originated from French developer Dontnod, launching in 2015 and spawning multiple sequels, with the latest installment, Life is Strange: Double Exposure, released in 2024 by Deck Nine. This adaptation will join Amazon’s growing roster of video game series, which includes a long-anticipated God of War series, a second season of Fallout, and upcoming shows based on Mass Effect and Wolfenstein.

With its mix of nostalgia and new storytelling possibilities, the Life is Strange television series is poised to attract both dedicated fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.