Full Breakdown
Atari Teams with Universal Pictures for Ten-Film Adaptation of Classic Games
7/24/2026, 12:42:45 AM
Core Deal Overview
Atari has entered a partnership with Universal Pictures, mediated by production company Entertainment 360, to develop feature films based on ten of the company’s historic video-game properties. The agreement grants Universal the right to produce movies that will translate Atari’s iconic titles into large-scale action-adventure narratives. The first project under the deal is already green-lit, with a screenplay written by former Universal executive-turned-screenwriter Matt Reilly and producer Carl Hampe. Both writers will also serve as producers.
Background & Context
Founded in 1972, Atari has been a cornerstone of the video-game industry for more than five decades, creating titles that remain part of popular culture. While the brand has previously explored television and limited film projects, this marks the first comprehensive, multi-property film slate with a major Hollywood studio. Entertainment 360’s Guymon Casady, who has produced films such as *Hellboy* and *Jungle Cruise*, will oversee the production side of the collaboration.
Deal Specifics
The ten selected Atari IPs include Asteroids, Adventure, Berzerk, Breakout, Centipede, Crystal Castles, Millipede, Missile Command, Pong and Yars’ Revenge. The partnership aims to craft original, big-budget adventures that capture the imagination of the games’ original audiences while appealing to contemporary moviegoers. Atari’s legal representation for the deal is handled by IAG and Vanderkloot Law.
Official Statements & Responses
Atari chairman and CEO Wade Rosen emphasized the enduring cultural impact of Atari’s catalog and expressed enthusiasm for extending the brand into cinema. Casady highlighted his personal connection to the Atari 2600 era and described the screenplay as offering a “great movie” opportunity that leverages the games’ imaginative worlds.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For more than five decades, Atari has created games and worlds that have remained part of popular culture long after their original release,” — Atari
- “Matt Reilly and I grew up playing Atari 2600 games and have remained fans ever since,” — Guymon Casady
