Director Timo Tjahjanto, known for his work on Nobody 2, recently shared his unfulfilled aspirations for a film adaptation of the 2007 video game Kane & Lynch: Dead Men. In a candid post on social media, Tjahjanto revealed that he had drafted a brief treatment for the project a few years back, envisioning Stranger Things actor David Harbour and James Badge Dale in the lead roles.
Despite his enthusiasm, Tjahjanto admitted that the project never progressed, stating, “Never gotten anywhere.” This sentiment highlights a common occurrence in Hollywood, where many promising projects fail to come to fruition.
Interest in a Kane & Lynch film has surged previously, as back in 2010, it was reported that a movie was in development, with Jamie Foxx and Bruce Willis attached to star. However, like Tjahjanto’s concept, this adaptation never saw the light of day.
The original Kane & Lynch game, released on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC, follows the turbulent lives of two mercenaries embroiled in criminal activities. A sequel, Kane & Lynch: Dog Days, was launched in 2010, further emphasizing the franchise’s potential for cinematic adaptation.
As Tjahjanto gears up for the release of Nobody 2, set for theaters this August, it remains to be seen whether his dream of bringing Kane & Lynch to the big screen will ever materialize. The industry’s landscape often allows for unexpected revivals, and with the right timing and interest, Tjahjanto’s vision could potentially find a path in the future.
This ambition and the ongoing interest in video game adaptations reflect a growing trend in cinema, where the fusion of gaming narratives and film has become increasingly celebrated. As directors continue to explore diverse storytelling avenues, there remains hope that fan-favorite games like Kane & Lynch might soon receive the adaptation they deserve.