The world of video games is once again leaping onto the big screen, as New Regency has set its sights on adapting the popular Ubisoft gaming franchise “Watch Dogs” into a live-action feature film. At the center of this ambitious endeavor is none other than Sophie Wilde, the breakout star of A24’s horror hit “Talk To Me,” who is in talks to take on the lead role.

Wilde’s meteoric rise to fame has been nothing short of remarkable. Her captivating performance in “Talk To Me” earned her a BAFTA nomination and an AACTA Award for Best Lead Actress, cementing her status as one of the industry’s most promising young talents. With a string of critically acclaimed projects under her belt, including “The Portable Door,” the Netflix limited series “Boy Swallows Universe,” and the upcoming A24 thriller “Babygirl,” Wilde’s star power continues to shine brighter with each new role.

The “Watch Dogs” adaptation promises to be a thrilling addition to the ever-growing roster of video game-inspired movies. While plot details remain tightly guarded, the game’s universe revolves around fictionalized versions of real-life cities, each with its own unique hacker protagonist embroiled in the criminal underworlds of their respective locales. These protagonists find themselves pitted against corrupt corporations, crime bosses, and rival hackers who exploit the ctOS (central Operating System), a fictional computing network that connects every electronic device in a city and stores personal information on its citizens. Wielding the power of ctOS, players can control various devices to aid them in combat, stealth, and puzzle-solving, adding an immersive layer of complexity to the gameplay.

Stepping into the director’s chair for this ambitious project is the acclaimed French genre filmmaker Mathieu Turi. Turi’s debut feature, “Hostile,” garnered widespread critical acclaim, winning an impressive 19 awards from over 50 nominations on the festival circuit. His most recent work, the star-studded French historical horror “Gueules Noires (The Deep Dark),” had its international premiere at Fantastic Fest in September 2023 and received the award for Best Feature at Los Angeles’ Screamfest. Turi’s unique vision and expertise in the horror and thriller genres make him an exciting choice to bring the “Watch Dogs” universe to life on the big screen.

The film’s screenplay is a collaborative effort, with Christie LeBlanc, known for her work on the Netflix original sci-fi thriller “Oxygen,” penning the original draft, and Victoria Bata providing revisions. This dynamic writing team promises to capture the essence of the “Watch Dogs” games while crafting a compelling narrative that will resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Behind the scenes, the film boasts an impressive production team. Yariv Milchan and Natalie Lehmann will produce for New Regency Pictures, while Margaret Boykin will represent Ubisoft Film & Television, ensuring a faithful adaptation that stays true to the source material.