"A big action show that can change from year to year" promises anthology format
Ubisoft's blockbuster Far Cry video game franchise is making the jump to television with a high-profile adaptation headed to FX and Hulu. The project reunites Emmy-winning creator Noah Hawley, known for his work on Fargo and the upcoming Alien: Earth series, with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Rob McElhenney, who will both star in and executive produce the ambitious action series.
The announcement marks another major video game-to-screen adaptation as streaming platforms continue mining gaming IP for original content. Far Cry has sold over 50 million copies worldwide since its 2004 debut, establishing itself as one of gaming's most recognizable open-world shooter franchises.
Anthology Format Mirrors Game Structure
Hawley emphasized the franchise's anthology nature as a key attraction for the television adaptation. Each season will explore different settings and storylines while McElhenney anchors the series in a central role that evolves across seasons.
"The Far Cry game franchise is an anthology. Each game is a variation of a theme, the same way each season of Fargo is a variation on a theme," Hawley explained in a statement. "To create a big action show that can change from year to year, while always exploring the nature of humanity through this complex and chaotic lens is a dream come true."
This structure gives creators flexibility to draw from the franchise's diverse catalog, which has featured everything from tropical islands and African savannas to the mountains of Kyrat and Hope County, Montana. The games have explored themes ranging from guerrilla warfare and political instability to religious extremism and survival.
McElhenney's Gaming Connection Continues
McElhenney brings previous gaming industry experience to the project, having co-created and starred in Apple TV+'s Mythic Quest, a workplace comedy set in a video game development studio that ran for three successful seasons.
"Getting to work alongside Noah Hawley is a dream realized," McElhenney stated. "Ubisoft has been remarkably generous, entrusting us with one of the most iconic video-game worlds ever created. And through it all, my FX family continues to lift me up with their constant belief and support."
The collaboration represents FX's continued investment in premium genre programming and strengthens the network's relationship with both talents.
What Fans Can Expect
While specific plot details, release windows, and casting information beyond McElhenney remain undisclosed, the Far Cry games offer rich source material spanning seven mainline entries and multiple spin-offs. Signature elements include charismatic villains, morally ambiguous protagonists, and stories examining power, freedom, and human nature through extreme circumstances.
Industry analysts note the adaptation arrives as video game television shows gain mainstream acceptance following successful launches of The Last of Us, Fallout, and Arcane. The anthology format may help the series avoid common adaptation pitfalls by allowing creative freedom rather than strict game narrative adherence.
Ubisoft Entertainment continues expanding its transmedia strategy with multiple projects in development, including films based on Watch Dogs and Rabbids, though the Far Cry series represents one of the company's most valuable intellectual properties for adaptation.
Production timelines and premiere dates are expected to be announced in coming months as the project moves into development.