Summary
Stardew Valley’s creator ConcernedApe, also known as Eric Barone, has recently affirmed that he would agree with a movie adaptation of the franchise, but only if some big names like David Lynch or Studio Ghibli were involved.Stardew Valleyis one of the more successful IPs in gamingdue to its unique charm, soul, and the fact that it sparked a trend of farming sims, so a movie adaptation would certainly be exciting for fans.
Released back in February 2016,Stardew Valleywas a major financial success, selling over 20 million copies so far. Right now, ConcernedApe is working on an update forStardew Valley, and the next project on his list isHaunted Chocolatier, but it seems that a movie adaptation of the famous farming sim is not completely impossible.
During arecent interview with IGN, Eric Barone talked more about how he explores theStardew Valleybrand, which already has a board game and will have a music concert next year. He explained that he’s very protective of it, despite how popular the franchise is, and would not simply allow anyone to make a movie based on theStardew ValleyIP. The main reason for being so protective is that he feels it is risky to give voices to these already-established characters. However, if Studio Ghibli or David Lynch approached him, for example, he would definitely go for it, as he seems to admire these creators and believes in their capabilities of making a memorable experience with the IP.
“If Studio Ghibli approached me, I would probably say okay, let’s do it (…) If David Lynch approached me and wanted to make a Stardew Valley movie, I would say go ahead, just do it.” —Stardew Valley’s creator Eric Barone
Game-based Movies Are Becoming Very Popular
Movies inspired by video games are getting pretty popularnow, with some of them achieving results that would have been impossible a few years ago.The Super Mario Bros Movie, for example, managed to gain over $1,360,000,000 worldwide, only losing toBarbieas the most profitable movie of 2023 so far. Other movies such asSonic: The Hedgehogwere also quite well received, with a box office of $306 million and a budget of 90 million, and positive reviews from the audience.
That’s not to say that all video game-inspired movies are doing so well. Despite being a financial success, the recentGran Turismomovie got pretty mixed reviewsfrom many gaming websites, for example, because it didn’t look like a movie inspired by a game. That would not likely be a problem for aStardew Valleymovie directed by either Lynch or Studio Ghibli, though. Either it would be a project led by one of the greatest directors alive in the United States or an animation made by one of the most beloved animation studios in Japan. In either case, it’s clear that most fans would be eager to see that happening.
Stardew Valley
WHERE TO PLAY
You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!
