Prime Video is taking a leap into Arcadia Bay, as the streamer has officially ordered ‘Life Is Strange’ to series, adapting the beloved and award-winning video game franchise.
The new show comes from Charlie Covell (End of the F***ing World, KAOS), who will serve as creator, executive producer, and showrunner. That makes this a particularly exciting prospect, since ‘End of the F***ing World’ remains much-loved, while ‘KAOS’ was brilliantly inventive despite Netflix’s algorithm deciding it should be cancelled after just one season. Amazon MGM Studios are producing the adaptation in partnership with Square Enix, Story Kitchen, and LuckyChap. The series will premiere exclusively on Prime Video across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
For those unfamiliar with the original game, ‘Life Is Strange’ follows Max, a photography student who discovers she can rewind time after saving the life of her childhood best friend, Chloe. As Max struggles to come to terms with her new power, the duo begin investigating the mysterious disappearance of a fellow student. What starts as a search for the truth soon exposes a much darker side to their town, forcing Max and Chloe into choices that will alter their lives forever.
The creative team behind the project are understandably excited to finally bring the series to life.
“Story Kitchen has always believed that Life is Strange deserved to be more than just a game – it’s a cultural touchstone,” said Story Kitchen’s Dmitri M. Johnson and Mike Goldberg. “After a decade-long journey, we’re honoured to be bringing this beloved story to Amazon MGM alongside our incredible partners at Square Enix, our brilliant showrunner/writer Charlie Covell, and the amazing team at LuckyChap. Together, this thoughtfully assembled dream team is ready to share Life is Strange with the world in an entirely new way!”
Charlie Covell added, “It’s a huge honour 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. I can’t wait to share Max and Chloe’s story with fellow players and new audiences alike.”
LuckyChap also expressed their enthusiasm, saying, “We’ve been huge fans of the visionary Charlie Covell for years, so partnering with them on the adaptation of Life is Strange is truly a dream come true. Charlie is an exceptional steward of revered IP, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have them at the helm of such an original, beloved and culturally resonant video game. We’re also deeply grateful to be collaborating with our friends at Amazon MGM Studios, Story Kitchen and Square Enix and can’t wait to bring Chloe, Max, and Arcadia Bay to life.”
Square Enix, the company behind the games, acknowledged the fan demand for a TV version. “For years we’ve had so many people asking us to create a Life is Strange TV show and we’re so pleased to finally partner with Amazon MGM Studios who we trust will do an incredible job bringing our universe to life,” said Jon Brooke and Lee Singleton, Studio Heads at Square Enix.
Meanwhile, Amazon MGM’s Nick Pepper, Head of US SVOD TV & Development Series, noted, “The series is in wonderful hands with Charlie Covell, who has crafted a deeply captivating story based on the iconic video game. Charlie, and their fantastic collaborators at LuckyChap, Story Kitchen, and Square Enix, are the perfect team to deliver a monumental adaptation that will captivate devoted fans and new audiences alike.”
With the video game series already considered a modern classic, the TV version of ‘Life Is Strange’ looks set to bring time-bending drama, friendship, and tough choices to the small screen in a way that will resonate with long-time players and brand-new audiences.
‘Life Is Strange’ does not yet have a premiere date but will air on Prime Video in the UK and worldwide. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.
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