Sifu Getting Live-Action Adaptation From John Wick's Derek Kolstad - Report

Kung fu beat 'em up video game Sifu will reportedly be adapted into a live-action feature film. Deadline was the first to report.

The movie will be adapted and produced in partnership between Story Kitchen and game studio Sloclap, with Story Kitchen partner Derek Kolstad (John Wick) adapting the script. Joining Kolstad are a team of producers who have worked on a gaggle of upcoming video game adaptations, including Dmitri M. Johnson (Sonic the Hedgehog 2) and Dan Jevons (Streets of Rage).

Released earlier this year in February, Sifu earned glowing reviews for being a satisfyingly challenging action title with a sharp learning curve. GameSpot's Richard Wakeling called the game "thrilling" in his review, praising its "unique aging mechanic and top-tier combat" and "the journey from a headstrong student to a wise kung fu master."

Kolstad is also writing a new film based on Sega's beat 'em up series, Streets of Rage. In November, the movie reportedly found a distributor in Lionsgate. It's not yet known when production will start or any casting highlights. Way back in 2017, Kolstad was brought onboard to write and produce a proposed TV series based on the Hitman video game series. In 2019, he was also brought on to write and produce a live-action film adaptation of the Just Cause game franchise.

Kolstad isn't the only John Wick alum taking on a video game property. Director Chad Stahelski is making a Ghost of Tsushima film for Sony, and the movie recently brought on writer Takashi Doscher.