Wolfenstein: Amazon MGM and Patrick Somerville’s Vision for a TV Series
A riveting new chapter is underway in the world of the legendary video game franchise, Wolfenstein. Amazon MGM Studios, alongside creative force Patrick Somerville, are set to translate the adrenaline-pumping action of this iconic series into a television adaptation.
The journey of Wolfenstein in the gaming world is illustrious. Before ‘Doom’ took the world by storm as a pioneer in the first-person shooter genre, Wolfenstein carved its own niche. Originally launched by Apogee’s id Software, the game reimagined Muse Software’s isometric classics ‘Castle Wolfenstein’ and ‘Beyond Castle Wolfenstein’ into the groundbreaking ‘Wolfenstein 3-D’ in 1992. Over the decades, the franchise, now under Bethesda’s umbrella, has continued to thrive, never losing its core theme of combating Nazi forces.
In this upcoming series, the tension and thrill familiar to fans of the game are expected to come to life with an engaging narrative led by Somerville. In reflecting on the essence of Wolfenstein, Somerville encapsulates its enduring appeal by saying, “The story of killing Nazis is evergreen.” Although details of the plot are still under wraps, the essence is sure to revolve around the classic storyline of William “B.J.” Blazkowicz, an American Army captain, as he battles the Axis powers. As he navigates behind enemy lines during World War II, he stumbles upon Nazi experiments and their ominous foray into the occult.
Steering the series from conception to screen, Patrick Somerville will wear multiple hats, undertaking roles as writer, executive producer, and showrunner under his production company, chaoticgood.tv. Collaborating with him in this ambitious venture are Jonah Nolan, Lisa Joy, and Athena Wickham from Kilter Films. Lending further creative and authentic insights are James Altman from Keyframe Films and Jerk Gustafsson representing Wolfenstein developer, MachineGames, both serving as executive producers.
The anticipation for the series is intense, considering the rich legacy of the Wolfenstein franchise, which comprises 14 games and a remarkable sales record topping 5.24 million copies. Fans of the series have been eager for a screen adaptation, especially since a 2012 series attempt did not advance beyond development stages.
With this adaptation poised to possibly debut on Prime Video, it marks an exciting venture for Kilter Films. It represents only their second adaptation of a video game to television format, following the acclaimed series ‘Fallout’. With the new series having received favorable reception and emboldened by its future prospects, Wolfenstein’s transition to TV is eagerly anticipated by audiences worldwide. If all goes as planned, this adaptation could provide a fresh perspective on the classic narrative, capturing the essence of the game while delivering a thrilling visual experience that both fans and new viewers will cherish.
Stay tuned for more updates as this promising adaptation of Wolfenstein progresses toward its much-anticipated release.
