PlayStation’s Horizon Zero Dawn Movie Set to Begin Filming in 2026 and Release in 2027
Sony and PlayStation Productions have officially confirmed new details about the Horizon Zero Dawn live-action movie, revealing that production is scheduled to begin filming in 2026, with a theatrical release targeted for 2027. The update surfaced through legal documents tied to Sony’s ongoing lawsuit against Tencent over the Horizon knock-off game Light of Motiram, as reported by The Game Post.
The confirmation comes directly from Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Productions, the division within Sony Interactive Entertainment dedicated to adapting PlayStation’s biggest gaming franchises for film and television. In a sworn declaration, Qizilbash stated that the Horizon movie project is already deep in development, complete with a working script, and that the studio is actively seeking a director to helm the project.
“We are in development for a film based on Horizon in partnership with Columbia Pictures. We already have a working script and are actively searching for a director, with the goal of shooting the picture in 2026 and releasing it in 2027. The live-action film follows the recent collaborations between Columbia Pictures and PlayStation Productions on the 2022 film Uncharted and the 2023 film Gran Turismo,” Qizilbash wrote in his declaration, as cited by The Game Post.
Originally, Horizon Zero Dawn was planned as a Netflix television series, but those plans were officially cancelled earlier this year in favor of a feature-length film adaptation. The shift reflects a broader strategy by PlayStation Productions to focus on cinematic releases, following the relative box office success of Uncharted and the positive reception of Gran Turismo.
No director or cast has been announced yet, and given that production is still in early pre-development, it may be some time before PlayStation Productions confirms key creative leads or actors. However, fan speculation has already begun over who could portray Aloy, the series’ red-haired protagonist and one of the most iconic heroines in modern gaming.
With its rich post-apocalyptic world, robotic wildlife, and themes of environmental reclamation and ancient technology, Horizon Zero Dawn is a natural fit for a cinematic adaptation. The film’s partnership with Columbia Pictures also suggests Sony intends to bring AAA production values and scale to the project, aiming for a visually ambitious experience that captures the scope and emotion of Guerrilla Games’ original 2017 title.
Given the timeline outlined by Qizilbash, fans can likely expect pre-production and casting updates throughout 2025, with filming to take place sometime the following year. If the release proceeds as planned, the Horizon movie will join a growing list of PlayStation cinematic projects currently in development, alongside Ghost of Tsushima, God of War, and Days Gone.
Who do you think should play Aloy in the live-action Horizon movie, and what storyline would you like to see adapted for the big screen? Share your thoughts below.
