‘SAW’ Studio Lionsgate Bringing Iconic Horror Game ‘Outlast’ to the Big Screen [Exclusive]

Bloody Disgusting can exclusively report that Lionsgate, the studio behind the hit SAW franchise, and Red Barrels, one of the horror genre’s most influential video game developers, have announced a deal to bring the Outlast horror series to the big screen.

Prolific horror film producer Roy Lee (It, Barbarian, Late Night with the Devil, Strange Darling) will lead the adaptation. Lee will bring the film the same terrifying authenticity that has made the critically acclaimed psychological horror game franchise a fan favorite for over 37 million players worldwide.

J.T. Petty (The Burrowers, Hellbenders), who is deeply involved in the story for the games themselves, will be working on the film’s screenplay. Petty previews, “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.”

With Lionsgate’s success and expertise in high-quality cinematic storytelling in the horror genre as the studio behind the SAW franchise, as well as the recent hits The Strangers: Chapter 1 and Imaginary, and many other hit films over the decades, along with Red Barrels’ reputation for pushing the boundaries of horror in gaming, the upcoming adaptation promises to deliver a gripping experience that captures the franchise’s signature elements—immersive atmosphere, chilling sound design, and relentless suspense.

“When Outlast launched in 2012, it changed the landscape of horror gaming, setting a new standard for immersion in the genre,” said Roy 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.”

“As die-hard fans of horror across every medium, at Red Barrels we are great admirers of Roy Lee’s and Lionsgate’s work. 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,” explains David Chateauneuf, Co-Founder and Creative Director at Red Barrels.

Since its launch in 2012, the Outlast video game series has evolved as a single-player narrative-driven survival horror franchise beginning with the original game and followed by the prequel Outlast: Whistleblower and the standalone sequel Outlast 2. Most recently, The Outlast Trials launched in 2024, offering an immersive multiplayer experience for up to four players. Beneath the psychological terror that defines each Outlast installment lies a recurring theme of manipulation and abuse of power, with corrupt institutions exploiting people for their own sinister purposes.

The Outlast film adaptation marks an exciting new chapter for the franchise, expanding its reach from gaming to the world of cinema.

Luiz H.C. celebrated the 10th anniversary of Outlast here on Bloody Disgusting just last year. He wrote, “players step into the shoes of Miles Upshur, a journalist who receives an anonymous tip about illegal human experimentation at a private psychiatric hospital. Armed only with a camcorder and good intentions, Miles trespasses onto hospital property only to find himself trapped amongst homicidal patients after a catastrophic security failure, with players forced to navigate this labyrinthian hellscape as they unravel the secrets of Mount Massive Asylum.”

“Outlast remains a must-play for the Halloween season even a full decade later,” Luiz notes. “There’s a reason why it’s still undefeated when it comes to pure interactive terror.”