Outlast Horror Game Heads to the Big Screen with Roy Lee

In a thrilling announcement for horror fans, Lionsgate and Red Barrels have revealed plans to adapt the cult-favourite Outlast video game series into a feature film. The project promises to bring the immersive terror and psychological tension of the hit horror franchise, which has captivated over 37 million players worldwide, to a new audience on the big screen.

Leading the adaptation is Roy Lee, the celebrated horror producer behind blockbusters such as It, Barbarian, and Late Night with the Devil. Known for his knack for translating terrifying stories to film with striking authenticity, Lee’s involvement has sparked significant anticipation. “When Outlast launched in 2012, it changed the landscape of horror gaming, setting a new standard for immersion in the genre,” said Lee. “Its deep, emergent lore has provided a perfect foundation for creating a film that delves into the psychological and physical horrors at the core of the franchise. I’m excited to bring this unique world to life for both new viewers and the series’ dedicated fans.”

The screenplay will be handled by JT Petty, a key creative force behind the Outlast games, ensuring the adaptation remains true to the franchise’s terrifying roots. Petty expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Red Barrels has been pushing the limits of horror in games for more than a decade, and expanding the Outlast universe into film is an incredible opportunity to dive deeper into the characters and killers we love.” Fans can expect the same eerie atmospheres, chilling soundscapes, and relentless suspense that have made Outlast one of the most immersive horror games on the market.

Red Barrels co-founder and creative director, David Chateauneuf, is equally excited about the transition from game console to cinema screen. “As die-hard fans of horror across every medium, we at Red Barrels are great admirers of Roy Lee’s and Lionsgate’s work,” he shared. “Horror movies old and new have had an undeniable impact on our franchise over the years, and to now have the opportunity to work on an Outlast film with true horror legends is a dream— or should I say, nightmare—come true.”

The Outlast franchise, which debuted in 2012, has built a reputation for its spine-chilling survival horror experiences. Set in sinister settings like abandoned asylums and remote villages, each installment plunges players into a nightmarish world where corrupt institutions exploit the vulnerable for horrific experiments. The first game’s gripping solo journey was followed by Outlast: Whistleblower, a prequel expansion, and Outlast 2, a standalone sequel exploring the terrifying depths of cult-driven fanaticism. In 2024, Red Barrels launched The Outlast Trials, bringing a multiplayer experience to fans for the first time, allowing up to four players to navigate the game’s twisted environments together.

Lionsgate’s involvement adds an additional layer of excitement for horror fans. With a portfolio that includes the Saw franchise and recent hits like The Strangers: Chapter 1, Lionsgate is well-versed in delivering high-calibre, suspenseful horror. Coupled with Red Barrels’ expertise in horror gaming, the adaptation is expected to capture Outlast’s signature elements of psychological tension, unpredictable jump scares, and claustrophobic fear, translating them into a visually gripping and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.

Fans can follow updates on Red Barrels’ social channels, including Instagram, X, Discord, Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook.