‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’ Movie in the Works with Sonic Team
A live-action movie based on the hit RPG ‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’ is coming together, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting adaptation. The game, which launched recently, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, has already captivated players with its emotional story and unique gameplay. I’m thrilled to see this world heading to the big screen so soon after its debut.
The film is being co-developed by the producers behind the ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ franchise, a series that’s proven video game movies can charm audiences. The first ‘Sonic’ film in 2020, directed by Jeff Fowler, earned over $320 million globally, blending action and humor with stars like Ben Schwartz as Sonic and Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik. Sequels in 2022 and 2024 kept the momentum going, showing this team knows how to bring game worlds to life. Their involvement gives me confidence they’ll capture the essence of ‘Clair Obscur.’
Casting and director searches are underway, though no names are locked in yet. The game boasts a stellar voice cast, including Charlie Cox as Gustave, the engineer leading Expedition 33, and Andy Serkis as the intense Renoir. Jennifer English plays Maelle, Gustave’s foster sister, while Ben Starr voices the enigmatic Verso. These actors, known for roles in ‘Daredevil,’ ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ ‘Baldur’s Gate 3,’ and ‘Final Fantasy 16,’ set a high standard. I’m curious if any will reprise their roles or if the film will go for fresh faces.
‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’ is a turn-based RPG with real-time combat twists, set in a haunting Belle Époque-inspired world. The story follows Expedition 33, a group from the island of Lumière, on a mission to stop the Paintress, a god-like figure who paints a number each year, erasing everyone of that age. In 2025, she paints “33,” threatening Gustave and others. The game’s mix of strategy, stunning visuals, and a 30-hour campaign earned it a 91/100 on OpenCritic, with over 1 million copies sold in three days. Its emotional depth and painterly art make it a natural fit for a cinematic retelling.
Story Kitchen, the production company partnering with developer Sandfall Interactive, is no stranger to adaptations. They’ve tackled projects like Netflix’s ‘Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft’ and are working on films for ‘Just Cause’ and ‘Streets of Rage.’ Their collaboration ensures the film will stay true to the game’s vision, which Sandfall crafted with a small team of 30 in Montpellier, France.
With the game already a success, the movie has a strong foundation to build on. No release date is set, but given the early stages of casting and directing, I’d guess it’s at least a couple of years away. I’m eager to see how they translate this gripping story to the screen.