Metal Gear Solid movie adaptation confirmed with directors praising game as "groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece"

It has been confirmed that a film adaptation of the classic action game franchise Metal Gear Solid is in the works - with the directions having been announced.

Zach Lipovsky and Adam B Stein, best known as the directing team behind Final Destination: Bloodlines, will adapt the pioneering video game, which was created by the iconic Hideo Kojima.

The film adaptation is part of an expansive first-look deal the directing duo has signed with Sony Pictures, as first reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Father-and-son team Avi Arad and Ari Arad will act as producers on the film.

Lipovsky and Stein said in a statement: "We are honoured to be partnering with the incredible executive team at Sony. While working with several Sony teams in the last year, we’ve been blown away by the level of creativity, thoughtfulness, and passion we felt in every conversation.

"We share the vision that Tom, Sanford, Peter, Louie, Kristine and Damien, Ashley and the whole Sony team have for creating theatrical event films that entertain the world."

They continued: "Metal Gear Solid was nothing short of a groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece that forever revolutionised video games. We are thrilled and honoured to bring Hideo Kojima’s iconic characters and unforgettable world to life."

Meanwhile, Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group president Sanford Panitch said: "Zach and Adam are thrilling storytellers, masters of visuals and suspense, and two of the most impressive director/producers working today. With projects across all the company’s film labels, we are so happy to create a home for them, and proud to have them as part of the Sony family."

Lipovsky and Stein are already working on an animated Venom movie for Sony Pictures Animation, along with an original sci-fi epic titled The Earthling.

First released in 1998, Metal Gear Solid is a special-ops first person adventure game, with the title referring to a weapon of mass destruction which can launch nuclear attacks. Solid Snake, a highly-skilled, retired solider who specialises in stealth, is the franchise's iconic protagonist.

Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.