Dead Island - Lionsgate has "optioned film rights" to develop the movie

Lionsgate have today announced that it has optioned film rights from Deep Silver to develop a feature inspired by Dead Island. The announcement was made by Lionsgate’s co-COO and Motion Picture Group President Joe Drake.

The film Dead Island is currently in the early development stage. Sean Daniel (The Mummy, Tombstone, Dazed and Confused) will spearhead production and will be joined in producing by Stefan Sonnenfeld.

"The film Dead Island will be an innovation of the zombie genre because of its focus on human emotion, family ties and non-linear storytelling". Said Drake of the property’s acquisition, “Like the hundreds of journalists and millions of fans who were so passionate and vocal about the Dead Island trailer, we too were awestruck.” He continued, “This is exactly the type of property we’re looking to adapt at Lionsgate – it’s sophisticated, edgy, and a true elevation of a genre that we know and love. It also has built in brand recognition around the world, and franchise potential.”