Live-Action ‘Just Cause’ Video Game Movie Lands ‘Jack Ryan’ Screenwriter

Video game adaptations have become a hot commodity in Hollywood, thanks to the success of Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario Bros., and shows like The Last of Us and Fallout. Several popular titles are being given the live-action treatment in the coming years, including Ghost of Tsushima, God of War, and The Legend of Zelda. Another upcoming video game adaptation that you may have forgotten about is Universal Pictures’ Just Cause movie, which was announced last May. Since the announcement, the project has received no updates… until now.

Thanks to The Wrap, we now know that the Just Cause movie has found its screenwriter. Aaron Rabin will pen the script for Universal’s adaptation of the Just Cause video game franchise, which were produced by Square Enix. Rabin is best known for writing for Prime Video’s hit Jack Ryan series, starring John Krasinski, as well as producing the divisive MCU series, Secret Invasion. The new movie is being directed by Ángel Manuel Soto, who recently helmed the DCEU’s Blue Beetle film, which starred Xolo Maridueña.

Just Cause hasn’t been given an official release date yet. The project already has a strong team of producers behind it. Most excitingly, the 87 Eleven stunt crew (who worked on the John Wick series, among others) will lend their talents to Just Cause‘s signature, over-the-top action. David Leitch (Atomic Blonde & The Fall Guy) is producing Just Cause, along with Kelly McCormick through 87North, who have a first-look deal with Universal Pictures.

What Is ‘Just Cause’?

While some other live-action video game adaptations have told incredibly dark, moving stories, like HBO’s The Last of Us, Just Cause is balls to the wall action from the start. First released in 2006, Just Cause (developed by Avalanche Studios) follows Rico Rodriguez as he attempts to overthrow the corrupt government of the fictional island of San Esperito. The franchise is based on, and named after, the real US invasion of Panama in 1989, code named “Operation Just Cause.”

Four Just Cause games have been released so far, with the latest entry being released back in 2018. The fan base is divided as to which entry in the franchise is the best. However, the consensus is generally in favor of Just Cause 3, released in 2015. The games became famous for their interactive and destructive environments, as Rico literally blew up military bases on the island of San Esperito. If that wasn’t cool enough, later installments have given the character a grappling hook and wing suit, allowing him to glide across the island, cling on to flying helicopters, and take down fighter jets all on his own.

Just Cause could make for an incredible action movie if handled right. As well as the story, the stunts need to be done as practically as possible in order for the already bonkers and over-the-top action to be somewhat believable on the big screen. However, if the Fast & Furious franchise can launch a car into space, then Just Cause has a good chance of working as a movie.