Full Breakdown
20th Century Studios to Adapt Roblox Game "99 Nights in the Forest" into Feature Film
4/14/2026, 8:46:48 PM
Overview of the Film Adaptation
20th Century Studios has acquired the theatrical film rights to the popular Roblox game "99 Nights in the Forest," developed by Grandma’s Favourite Games. This marks the studio's first venture into adapting a video game since its acquisition by Disney. The game, released in May 2025, has quickly risen to prominence, becoming the seventh most-played game on Roblox, with nearly 26 billion lifetime visits and a player rating of 90.6%. Players engage in an action-survival experience, tasked with surviving 99 nights in a haunted forest while rescuing four lost children and fending off various monstrous creatures.
Key Figures Behind the Project
The game’s developers—Alec Kieft, Matthew Hufton, and Cameron Angland—will serve as executive producers for the film. J.R. Young will oversee the project on behalf of 20th Century Studios. The trio expressed their excitement about collaborating with a studio they grew up admiring, stating, “Growing up, Disney and 20th films were a huge part of our childhood, so collaborating with such legendary and enduring studios feels surreal.”
Background of "99 Nights in the Forest"
"99 Nights in the Forest" combines elements of survival horror with a narrative inspired by a real-life survival story involving four children who survived in the Amazon rainforest for 40 days after a plane crash. The game incorporates supernatural elements, including a dynamic difficulty system where the frequency and strength of monster attacks increase as players progress through the nights.
Official Statements & Responses
David Greenbaum, president of Disney live action and 20th Century Studios, praised the game developers, stating, “The team at Grandma’s Favourite Games are exactly the kind of bold, imaginative creators we love working with at 20th Century Studios, with world-building ideas that feel innately cinematic.” He emphasized the game's connection with millions of players worldwide and the studio's excitement to expand its reach to broader audiences.
Why It Matters
The adaptation of "99 Nights in the Forest" reflects a growing trend in Hollywood to explore video game narratives as viable sources for film content. With the success of adaptations like "Super Mario Bros" and "The Last of Us," 20th Century Studios aims to capitalize on the popularity of Roblox games, which have garnered significant player engagement and cultural relevance.
Criticism & Opposition
While the adaptation is met with enthusiasm from the developers and the studio, there are concerns regarding the historical challenges of video game adaptations in Hollywood. Critics point out that many previous adaptations have struggled to resonate with audiences, raising questions about whether "99 Nights in the Forest" can break this trend.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
As of now, there are no confirmed details regarding the film's writer, director, or cast. The lack of these key figures raises questions about the project's timeline and creative direction, which remain unclear at this stage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ The Grandma’s team added: “Growing up, Disney and 20th films were a huge part of our childhood, so collaborating with such legendary and enduring studios feels surreal.” — Alec Kieft, Matthew Hufton, and Cameron Angland, Developers of "99 Nights in the Forest."
- “The team at Grandma’s Favourite Games are exactly the kind of bold, imaginative creators we love working with at 20th Century Studios, with world building ideas that feel innately cinematic,” — David Greenbaum, President of Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios
The adaptation of "99 Nights in the Forest" signifies a notable step for 20th Century Studios in the realm of video game films, with the potential to engage a new generation of audiences familiar with the Roblox platform.
