Why a Red Dead Redemption Movie Shouldn’t Follow the Games

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Summary

  • No plans for a Red Dead Redemption adaptation due to the game’s complex narrative and lengthy runtime.
  • Potential movie ideas include exploring the gang’s early days and Sadie Adler’s post-game adventures.
  • Jack Marston’s life as an outlaw offers a compelling story for a movie adaptation outside the game’s narrative.

Despite the immense popularity and critical acclaim of the Red Dead Redemption series, there appears to be no significant effort being made to transform it into a movie or TV show. Additionally, whispers about a potential adaptation in the future have been scarce. Take Two’s CEO expressed that a Red Dead Redemption adaptation was unlikely to happen anytime soon. Furthermore, at Florida Supercon 2024, the voice actor and motion capture artist for the lead character of Red Dead Redemption 2, Roger Clarke, shared that while he worked with Rockstar, they consistently stated, “We don’t produce TV shows; we create video games.

Given the increasing trend of TV and film industries adapting video games following successes such as HBO’s “The Last of Us,” it is surprising that there seems to be a consensus against adapting the Red Dead Redemption series. From a studio’s point of view, it would make sense to adapt the most successful games because they have the largest potential audience. However, there are several reasons why adapting the Red Dead franchise doesn’t seem feasible. The primary issue is the length of the games. As open-world RPGs, the narratives in these games can vary greatly depending on the player. Some players may rush through all optional missions and side quests, while others might spend hours exploring, hunting, and completing collectibles. In the case of Red Dead Redemption 2, even if Rockstar were to adapt it into a television series instead of a movie, it would be a daunting task to condense the narrative of the game due to its approximate 60-hour campaign length.

So What Can Be Adapted In A Red Dead Redemption Film?

As a passionate cinephile and dedicated fan of the Red Dead Redemption series, I can understand why some might hesitate if there’s no compelling reason to embark on a project. The emotional resonance of this game franchise is undeniable, and its fans are fiercely protective of it. Unfortunately, history has shown us that film adaptations of video games often fall short, delivering disappointing results by failing to honor the original content.

However, if a Red Dead Redemption movie were to offer an untold story, it could potentially avoid the pitfalls of letting fans down. The studio brave enough to take on this task would have the opportunity to craft a narrative tailored specifically for the big screen, without having to compromise quality by trying to cram every detail into a two-hour runtime. This approach could result in a cinematic experience that does justice to the beloved series while also offering something new and exciting for fans to enjoy.

The classic cowboy western film genre, dating back to cinema’s early days and still thriving today (with films like “Django Unchained” and “No Country For Old Men”), remains one of the most enduring and widely-loved genres in film history. This popularity persists even in modern Hollywood. Given this ongoing appeal and considering that cowboy westerns are relatively underrepresented in video game adaptations, there exists a rich ground for exploring new narratives. While it might not be feasible to directly translate the storylines from the “Red Dead” series, there are hints of potential plots within these games that could form the basis of an engaging movie narrative.

Option One: The Red Dead Redemption Gang’s Early Days

In the tranquil early stages of the game “Red Dead Redemption 2”, the primary group members, including Dutch, Hosea, Arthur, and John, tend to recall their early days with a distinctly romanticized perspective. Comprising merely four veterans, as Dutch calls them, this gang operated more like a close-knit family instead of a band of outlaws during those times. Notably, Dutch and Hosea took it upon themselves to educate Arthur and John in reading and writing, a practice that was rather uncommon at the time.

Although these times might appear less turbulent compared to the events portrayed in the game, it’s reasonable to assume that the gang continued to grapple with legal troubles and conflicts with the O’Driscolls. These experiences could form the basis of a potential adaptation storyline. The characters frequently mention having faced harder situations before, and Arthur once said, “… Give enough time and space from the problem, and it eventually fades away.” This quote suggests that a film adaptation could explore high-stakes action with severe repercussions for the characters, while still aligning with the established narrative of the game series.

In this imagined film, the backdrop would be the American West, since that’s where the gang is running away at the outset of “Red Dead 2”. The storyline might take place around the 1880s, prior to when the rest of the gang supposedly joined. This early era of the gang would be portrayed, offering a rawer, less polished version of the established leaders. The film could also showcase landscapes reminiscent of classic Western deserts. Additionally, it could delve into events hinted at in the game, such as Arthur’s first bank heist, which he saved a newspaper clipping of as a keepsake, or the origins of the conflict between the gang and the O’Driscolls.

Option Two: Sadie Adler’s South American Adventure

In the climactic mission of “Red Dead Redemption 2,” titled “American Venom,” John Marston, Sadie Adler, and Charles Smith journey into the mountains to confront Micah Bell who betrayed their gang. Along the way, as they ascend the rugged terrain, Sadie and Charles engage in conversations about departing America for new opportunities. Charles proposes settling in Canada and establishing a family there. Despite this scenario being heartwarming and perhaps what fans envisioned for Charles, it seems unlikely that such a resolution would offer an engaging narrative continuation.

Despite Sadie’s plans initially appearing less exciting, they were brimming with potential for adventure. She hinted at either safeguarding a gold mine or joining forces with a dashing revolutionary. Throughout the game series, Sadie’s character growth was captivating, yet it seemed there was still untapped depth to her persona. In the early stages of the game, Sadie was grieving the loss of her husband, who was killed by the O’Driscolls. It wasn’t until the latter stages of the game and the epilogue that players truly witnessed Sadie transform into a ruthless and skilled bounty hunter.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I must admit that Sadie, the captivating character from our favorite game series, has left an indelible mark on many hearts. There’s been a clamor for additional content where we could embody her as the leading heroine. However, with Rockstar seemingly engrossed in the imminent launch of GTAVI, it seems like they might not be delving into this just yet.

Instead, I find myself fantasizing about a cinematic adaptation that could bring Sadie’s story to life on the silver screen. This narrative could unfold with Sadie finding solace in a charming revolutionary, hinting at her emotional recovery from the heart-wrenching demise of her spouse.

In this potential film, this new romantic interest might not only be a love affair but also a partner in crime, joining forces with Sadie and her private gun-for-hire business. This would create an electrifying Bonnie and Clyde-inspired action tale set in a fresh location, allowing us to reconnect with a cherished character we’ve grown fond of.

Option Three: Jack Marston’s Life As An Outlaw

In the concluding chapter of the game Red Dead Redemption, Jack Marston chooses a path similar to that which his mother had hoped to prevent for him – becoming an outlaw like his father, John Marston. After Agent Ross deceives and kills John, Jack challenges and defeats Ross in a duel to seek vengeance. With a tinge of remorse, he gazes at his gun before departing from the scene. Although the player can explore the world as Jack for an extended period, there are no more story-driven missions that deepen his character beyond this final confrontation.

It’s unclear for how long Jack Marston continued his outlaw lifestyle following his actions. He successfully avenged himself, but the price was high; he had to eliminate a well-respected law enforcement officer. This made it extremely challenging for him to resume an honest existence. The game’s conclusion is set in 1914, marking a significant period since the heyday of gunslingers and outlaws. Consequently, any potential storyline involving Jack Marston may revolve around his challenges as one of the last remnants of a fading era, potentially pursued by the government for the murder of Ross.

It’s intriguing to note that Grand Theft Auto V contains an Easter egg hinting at Jack’s post-Red Dead life. In Franklin’s house in Vinewood Hills, you can find a book titled “Red Dead” on a bookshelf, published by J. Marston. Given Jack’s expressed desire to be a writer, it’s likely that this is Jack Marston, not John. This suggests two possibilities: first, that Jack survived the game’s events and went on to become a published author; second, that he may have continued his outlaw ways, which he later wrote about. However, this isn’t definitively part of the game’s canon, and the book could also be connected to Jack’s childhood experiences or the events of Red Dead itself. The interpretation is left to fans’ imagination.

A movie version of a book from a distinct video game like Red Dead Redemption could be quite self-referential, yet a studio has numerous paths to tread when bringing this series to the silver screen. However, in reverence for the tales of the games and Rockstar’s skillful storytelling within the interactive medium of gaming, any prospective film should focus on an untold story that lies beyond the games’ narrative arc.

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2025-03-29 20:05