Sydney Sweeney is rumored to be taking on a lead role in the upcoming film adaptation of Split Fiction, a breakout co-op video game that has captured both gamer and critic attention since its March 2025 release. The adaptation is being helmed by acclaimed director Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, Wicked), who is known for his ability to bring high-energy, visually dynamic stories to life — making him a natural fit for Split Fiction‘s vibrant, genre-blending world. This film will continue the trend of video game to film adaptations we’ve seen in recent years – a trend that has seen some major successes of late (Minecraft, The Last Of Us, Fallout).
The original Split Fiction game follows two rival authors, Mio and Zoe, who find themselves trapped inside the fantastical worlds they once created. To survive and escape, they must navigate shifting genres—science fiction, fantasy, horror, and more—using their distinct storytelling abilities. It’s a game that demands constant teamwork, imaginative problem-solving, and quick adaptability, all of which promise a thrilling, visually stunning cinematic translation.
Sweeney’s casting has sparked major excitement, especially given her track record in both drama (Euphoria) and action-oriented projects (Madame Web). While her exact role hasn’t been confirmed, many speculate she’ll play Zoe, the fantasy writer, whose character arc promises a mix of emotional depth and larger-than-life adventure. Adding to the buzz, Sweeney will also serve as an executive producer, signaling her creative investment in bringing the story to life.
Backing the screenplay are Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, the dynamic writing duo behind Deadpool, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Zombieland. Their signature blend of fast-paced action, humor, and emotional grounding could be the perfect match for Split Fiction‘s unique tone, which balances heartfelt character development with wildly imaginative settings.
The film is being developed by Story Kitchen—the production company behind the successful Sonic the Hedgehog movies and upcoming Tomb Raider projects—along with Chu’s Electric Somewhere studio. Given the pedigree of everyone involved, from the star power to the creative team, Split Fiction is being positioned not just as another video game movie, but potentially one of the first to truly bridge the gap between interactive and cinematic storytelling.
While no release date has been announced yet, the project is expected to move quickly, especially following the massive success of the game, which sold over two million copies within its first week and was praised for its innovative co-op mechanics and emotionally resonant storytelling.
With Sweeney at the forefront and a powerhouse team behind her, Split Fiction could very well become one of the biggest adaptations of this new era of gaming-meets-Hollywood storytelling.
Key Takeaways
- Sydney Sweeney is leading the cast in the Split Fiction adaptation.
- The film’s creative team brings experience from both gaming and superhero movies.
- There’s a ton of anticipation about how this adaptation will land with fans.
Overview of ‘Split Fiction’ Film Adaptation
So, the new Split Fiction movie puts Sydney Sweeney front and center, giving her a shot at reimagining a fan-favorite video game. This film’s got a mix of sci-fi and fantasy, which should appeal to folks who love both genres. The story’s all about that classic two-player adventure vibe the game is known for.
Premise and Genre
Split Fiction’s movie version is set in a world packed with quirky platforming challenges, co-op missions, and high-energy action. The original game? It followed two leads navigating split-screen chaos, bouncing between wild driving scenes and clever combat.
The film’s supposed to stick close to its fantasy and sci-fi roots. Expect lots of teamwork, high-stakes moments, and scenes that try to capture the game’s signature split-screen feel. The adventure should be a mix of pulse-pounding and strategic—think driving games mashed up with classic co-op platformers.
Background of the Original Video Game
Split Fiction started out as a co-op video game from Josef Fares. The big draw was its two-player mode, where you’d solve puzzles, tear through arcade-style levels, and basically have to work together (or else).
The game stood out because of its blend of platforming, split-screen action, and those outrun-style driving bits. People loved the teamwork mechanics and the way it balanced action, adventure, and brain-teasers. No surprise, then, that film studios wanted to try bringing that unique format to the big screen.
Adapting Interactive Gameplay for Cinema
Turning Split Fiction’s gameplay into a movie? Not exactly a walk in the park. The game’s whole thing is split-screen co-op, with two players interacting at the same time. Jon M. Chu has his work cut out for him—he’ll need to show that same sense of collaboration and movement, but, you know, without actual gameplay.
The plan is to use creative editing and visual tricks to give the movie that co-op adventure vibe. Maybe we’ll see quick switches between the characters’ points of view or some clever parallel action. At its heart, it’s about teamwork—that’s what made the game so much fun, and the film’s banking on that same magic. For more on the production, check out the latest news from Variety.
Sydney Sweeney’s Role and Star Power
Sydney Sweeney has officially joined the hotly anticipated film adaptation of Split Fiction. With her rising star, strong performances, and a knack for picking interesting roles, she’s a big reason people are already interested in this project.
Casting as Main Character
Sydney Sweeney is set to lead Split Fiction, which is based on the popular video game. The whole story revolves around co-op action and character-driven storytelling, so the main role is pretty crucial. We don’t know exactly who she’s playing yet—the filmmakers are keeping that under wraps, which just adds to the hype.
Jon M. Chu is directing, and the writers from Deadpool and Wolverine are behind the script. Fans who loved Sweeney’s recent work are curious to see her jump into a new genre, and having a movie tied to a hit game just adds more excitement. For the latest on casting, see Split Fiction movie adaptation.
Sydney Sweeney’s Acting Career
Sweeney really broke out as Cassie in Euphoria, especially in season 2 alongside Fezco and Ashtray. Folks loved her performance—critics and fans alike—and it’s made her one of the most in-demand young actors around.
She’s been busy outside of Euphoria, too, with films like Anyone But You, I Pretended to Be a Missing Girl, and The Housemaid. Sweeney’s range, from romantic leads to heavy drama, is probably a big reason she landed the main role in Split Fiction. At this point, she’s definitely one of the most promising talents of her generation.
Connection to Previous Roles
Sweeney’s casting in Split Fiction definitely fits her pattern of picking challenging, varied roles. Playing Cassie in Euphoria meant dealing with some pretty intense, emotional scenes, and that experience should serve her well in a movie that’s all about action and character arcs.
In I Pretended to Be a Missing Girl and The Housemaid, she took on characters with secrets and plenty of tension—skills she’ll probably draw on here. All this suggests she’s more than ready to bring some real depth and energy to Split Fiction, building on what’s worked for her in the past. For more about the film, here’s a news report on Sweeney’s casting.
Production Team and Creative Talent
The Split Fiction movie is pulling together some heavy hitters, both behind and in front of the camera. With big studios and experienced talent involved, this one’s aiming for the mainstream in a big way.
Key Writers and Directors
Jon M. Chu, who directed “Wicked” and “Crazy Rich Asians,” is running the show here. He’s got plenty of experience with blockbusters, so the film’s in steady hands.
The script is coming from Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick—the duo behind the “Deadpool” movies. Their knack for mixing action and comedy should help shape the vibe of Split Fiction. With backgrounds in action, comedy, and drama, this creative team should give the movie broad appeal.
Jayson Rothwell, who’s known for action-thrillers, is also writing. All together, these writers have delivered some big hits before, which bodes well for the project.
Producer Involvement
Producers Mike Goldberg and Dmitri M. Johnson are at the helm with Story Kitchen, a company that specializes in adapting games and web stories for film. Both have backgrounds in movies and gaming, which is honestly pretty handy for this kind of project.
Sweeney herself is also producing, which means she’ll have a say in both the story and the production process. That’s always interesting—you get a star who’s really invested in how things turn out.
Executive producers at Electric Somewhere and a few other industry partners are adding their backing and creative input. The mix of producers, talent, and execs should keep things balanced as the film moves forward.
Studios and Industry Partners
Universal Pictures is the main studio, handling distribution and development. That means the movie should get a big release and plenty of marketing muscle.
Story Kitchen (Goldberg and Johnson’s company) is working with other production outfits to bring the story from game to screen. Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes isn’t confirmed as involved, but the team’s got producers with plenty of experience on major properties.
Hazelight Studios, who made the original Split Fiction game, are consulting throughout, so the adaptation should stay true to the source material—something fans always worry about.
Industry partners like Electric Somewhere bring in more credibility and people who know how to handle big, splashy releases. With all this combined experience from gaming and film, the project’s in a pretty strong spot as it heads through development.
Cultural Impact and Anticipated Reception
Movies based on video games are getting more attention these days, as both gamers and movie fans keep hoping for adaptations that actually get it right. With Sydney Sweeney and Jon M. Chu attached, there’s even more buzz—both have big followings, and the stakes feel high.
Expectations for Video Game Adaptations
People expect a lot from these adaptations, especially after the success of stuff like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Five Nights at Freddy’s. When you get big-name actors and directors involved, the bar gets even higher—fans want a movie that’s both entertaining and true to the game.
Hazelight Studios’ game sold over two million copies, so there’s a built-in fanbase. If the film can really nail that unique co-op style, it might stand out from the crowd. There’s also a lot of talk about whether the themes by creators Mio and Zoe will make it into the movie.
Fans are hoping for nods to the game’s electronic soundtrack, too. Keeping the game’s vibe intact could be the difference between a hit and a miss.
Influence of Previous Adaptation Success
The last few years have shown that video game movies can actually do really well at the box office. The Super Mario Bros. Movie was a massive hit, and Five Nights at Freddy’s pulled in fans of all ages.
Studios are clearly learning from past successes. Bringing in writers with action chops—like the Deadpool and Wolverine team—might help Split Fiction find its own voice. And the buzz around other studios, like Sega with their big franchises, gives the team some solid examples to follow.
People will be comparing Jon M. Chu’s vision and the film’s story choices to these earlier hits. Every decision sets the stage for whether Split Fiction can live up to the hype and carve out its own spot in both film and gaming circles.
For more info about the movie and who’s behind it, check out the announcement about Sydney Sweeney starring in Split Fiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sydney Sweeney is set to appear in a movie based on a best-selling video game. The film’s got a well-known director and is shining a new light on the game’s story and characters.
Who is Sydney Sweeney?
Sydney Sweeney is an American actress, probably best known for her roles in “Euphoria” and “The White Lotus.” She’s gotten a lot of praise for her work, and she’s shown she can handle both drama and action.
What is ‘Split Fiction’ about?
“Split Fiction” is a co-op video game from Hazelight Studios. The story follows two characters who have to work together to solve puzzles and face challenges. It’s famous for its teamwork-focused gameplay.
What role will Sydney Sweeney be playing in the ‘Split Fiction’ film adaptation?
We don’t have official word yet on Sweeney’s exact character in the movie. Rumors say she might play either Mio or Zoe, who are the main characters in the game’s story. More info should be coming soon. For some speculation, check out Screen Rant’s take on Sydney Sweeney’s possible character.
Who is directing the ‘Split Fiction’ film adaptation?
Jon M. Chu is directing. You might know him from “Crazy Rich Asians” or “In the Heights.”
What are the source material and inspirations behind the ‘Split Fiction’ story?
So, the film actually takes its cue from “Split Fiction,” which is this pretty popular co-op video game made by Hazelight Studios. If you’ve played it, you probably know it’s gotten a lot of buzz for its story, the way it handles teamwork, and honestly, the characters feel surprisingly real. As for what else inspired the movie adaptation? Well, nobody’s really spilled the beans on that yet. Maybe we’ll hear more as things move along.
When is the expected release date for the ‘Split Fiction’ film?
Honestly, there’s still no official release date set for “Split Fiction.” Production updates and casting news keep popping up here and there, but so far, nobody’s announced when we’ll actually get to see it. Guess we’ll have to hang tight for more details as things move along.
