The long-running Far Cry video game series is getting the TV adaptation treatment from producers Rob Mac (nee McElhenney) and Noah Hawley. The video game debuted way back in 2004, and has followed an anthology format, with each sequel ostensibly set in the same universe but telling completely different stories set in various corners of the world. The series is defined by its open-world emergent gameplay and colorful cast of characters, with the villains as particular standouts. Far Cry 2’s The Jackal was a Heart of Darkness/Apocalypse Now-inspired arms dealer in the middle of an African civil war, while Far Cry 3’s Vaas was a being of uncontrolled id, a ruthless and nihilistic, nigh feral, pirate. With its mix of exciting action, varied characters, and trippy storytelling, Far Cry is ripe for an adaptation in the television space.
The TV series hails from producers Rob Mac and Noah Hawley. Mac is best known for co-creating the legendary FX series, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, as well as fellow series Mythic Quest and the documentary series, Welcome to Wrexham. Meanwhile, Noah Hawley is known for shows like Fargo, Legion, and – most recently – Alien: Earth.
According to Deadline, the series will follow an anthology format, with each season telling a stand-alone story. Whether these stories will be canon to the video game stories remains to be seen. Hawley’s Fargo series did have connections with the original film and built up a mythology all its own as the seasons went on. Meanwhile, Alien: Earth may or may not consider the Prometheus movies to be canon, and there are lots of inconsistencies that may the series may or may not care to iron out as the show – which has been renewed for a second season – continues.
In any case, it’s still early days for Far Cry on FX. There’s no casting or plot details yet. It’s worth mentioning that the video game series used the voice and likenesses of actors like Michael Mando, Giancarlo Esposito, Greg Bryk, and Troy Baker for some of its main characters. Personally, I’d love to see them reprise their roles for the series, one way or another.
I’m a big fan of the Far Cry games, and of the work of both Hawley and Rob Mac. I’ll be sure to keep a close eye on this one as it develops, but it’ll probably be at least a year or two before the show will hit streaming. I wonder now… What will we get to experience first: Far Cry on FX or Far Cry 7? I’m still holding out hope for a proper remaster of Far Cry 2, but Ubisoft is too chicken to turn my dream into reality.
Related: Rob Mac Has Message for Noah Hawley Amid Far Cry Rumors