Daniel Vávra is shifting his focus. Instead of actively working onKingdom Come Deliverance 3, the creative mind behind the series wants to bring the brand to the big screen. Warhorse CEO Martin Frývaldský confirmed this in an interview with the Czech portal CzechCrunch.
Vávra, co-founder of Warhorse Studios and game director of the first two installments, is taking on a new role internally. Frývaldský puts it clearly: “Dan has a new task. That is the development of the Kingdom Come film.” A draft screenplay already exists, and discussions with the film industry are ongoing. The aim is not simply to sell the rights, but to actively participate in shaping the project.
The brand is growing beyond the game, while Kingdom Come: Deliverance 3 is on hiatus.
Warhorse has been building the brand for years. Besides games, there are comics, concerts, and tourist attractions. The film is now the next logical step, as interest from the industry has noticeably increased. There were already inquiries after the first film, but COVID slowed down the discussions.
Now the situation is different. According to the studio, the latest installment in the series has overfive million units sold. This gives them negotiating power, while Hollywood has been more open to game adaptations for several years now. Series likeThe Last of Usor Fallouthave shown that source material can be implemented seriously and economically successfully. AlsoThe Super Mario Bros. movieand Sonic the Hedgehog-Films have delivered at the box office.
What that specifically means Kingdom Come Deliverance 3 What this means remains unclear. Frývaldský emphasizes that Vávra is not leaving Warhorse. He simply won't be in the studio every day anymore. The creative force is thus stepping back from day-to-day game development, but will remain on board strategically.
A film brings new opportunities
This is the crux of the debate. Vávra significantly shaped the tone, historical narrative, and design choices of the previous games. His influence was clearly evident – for better or for worse. His departure from day-to-day operations will inevitably alter the dynamics of a potential third installment.
A film can broaden a brand and reach new audiences, while a game continues to cater to its core fanbase. At the same time, production ties up time, capital, and creative energy. Especially with historically complex subjects, costs quickly escalate, as authenticity isn't cheap. If the project fails in terms of quality, it damages the brand more than it helps it.
At the absolute zenith of his creation, one can certainly dedicate oneself to new challenges, regardless of what this studio releases on the gaming market in the future and in the distant future.
I'm in on Day One! 💯