PlayStation has increasingly leaned on its first-party intellectual properties (IPs) over the past decade. While maintaining robust relationships with third-party developers such as Capcom and Konami, it is the first-party franchises—such as Marvel’s Spider-Man, God of War, The Last of Us, and Horizon—that effectively demonstrate the capabilities of PlayStation’s cutting-edge hardware and attract new users. Notably, PlayStation’s first-party IPs are not only instrumental in driving console sales.
In recent years, PlayStation has steadily expanded into the broader entertainment sphere, once again relying on its treasure trove of first-party IPs to spearhead these efforts. Live-action adaptations such as Uncharted and Gran Turismo, along with HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us, represent just a fraction of PlayStation’s ambitious plans. One of the most intriguing upcoming projects points towards the revival of a long-dormant franchise.
Is Gravity Rush Poised for a Comeback?
Upcoming Gravity Rush Movie
In August 2022, Deadline’s Matt Grobar reported that PlayStation Productions, in collaboration with Scott Free Productions, was developing a Gravity Rush movie. Emily Jerome was announced as the scriptwriter, and Anna Mastro was tapped to direct. The project received official confirmation from Sony in January 2024 during a CES sizzle reel, which showcased brief clips from the adaptation.
However, the unveiling was met with minimal promotional effort by Sony, and no additional information about the film has been disclosed since the CES presentation. Nonetheless, fans remain optimistic that the Gravity Rush live-action adaptation is progressing, potentially being released within the next one to two years, barring any unforeseen challenges.
Potential of a Chain Reaction from the Gravity Rush Movie
Originally launched in 2012, Gravity Rush was developed by Sony’s Japan Studio, known for titles like Ape Escape and LocoRoco. The game, a unique action-adventure experience, revolves around Kat, a protagonist capable of manipulating gravitational fields. Although the game received a remaster for the PS4 in 2016 and a sequel in 2017, the Gravity Rush series has yet to achieve blockbuster status, despite favorable critical reception.
What’s intriguing is the decision to pursue a live-action adaptation for a series that hasn’t fully captured the mainstream attention, especially compared to PlayStation’s other high-profile projects, like those based on Horizon Zero Dawn and Helldivers. Yet, with sufficient talent and dedication, the adaptation could resonate with audiences and rekindle interest in the franchise.
If the movie proves successful, it could pave the way for a revival of the Gravity Rush game series, aligning with Sony’s current strategy of reintroducing lesser-known IPs. Recent commentary from VGC’s Andy Robinson suggests that PlayStation is exploring the revival of “deep-cut old IPs”to complement its major releases. Therefore, Gravity Rush could serve as a smaller, yet impactful, first-party title that bridges major franchises such as Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and future God of War titles.
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