20th Century Studios has announced that Josh Cooley will write the live-action adaptation of the survival horror game '99 Nights in the Forest'.
20th Century Studios has officially announced that Josh Cooley will write the live-action adaptation of the popular survival horror video game, 99 Nights in the Forest. This news was reported by The Hollywood Reporter on September 17, 2026.
The adaptation marks a significant step for 20th Century Studios as it ventures into the realm of video game adaptations for the first time. Cooley, known for his work on Toy Story 4 and Transformers One, is expected to bring his unique storytelling capabilities to the project, though specific details of his vision for the film have yet to be disclosed.
Originally developed by Grandma's Favourite Games, 99 Nights in the Forest quickly gained traction since its introduction in 2025. The game operates within the popular Roblox platform and has achieved impressive milestones, being recognized as the seventh-most-played game on Roblox. It boasts nearly 26 billion lifetime visits and maintains a high player rating of 90.6 percent, according to 20th Century Studios.
As an action-survival game, players must endure 99 nights in a haunted forest, facing off against various creatures in their quest to rescue four lost children. This blend of survival mechanics and horror elements has contributed to its rapid popularity, making it an appealing choice for adaptation.
Notably, the film adaptation will also feature the involvement of horror veteran Sam Raimi, alongside his frequent producing partner Rob Tapert, who are set to produce the project. The original game's developers—Alec Kieft, Matthew Hufton, and Cameron Angland—are on board as executive producers, ensuring that the adaptation stays true to its gaming roots. Other executive producers include Romel Adam (Evil Dead Rise) and Jose Cañas (Play Dead).
Josh Cooley's background in animation and storytelling presents a promising avenue for translating the game's narrative into a compelling film. Before his recognition for Toy Story 4, which won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, Cooley also contributed to the critically acclaimed movie Inside Out, which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
This adaptation could be pivotal in 20th Century Studios’ strategy to diversify its portfolio, especially as the film industry sees a growing trend of video game adaptations. While the specific tone, style, and approach of the adaptation remain unannounced, Cooley’s reputation and the involvement of established horror producers raise expectations among fans of both the game and potential moviegoers.
As video game narratives gain recognition for their depth and complexity, 99 Nights in the Forest may pave the way for more adaptations of this nature, potentially appealing to a broader audience beyond just gamers. Additionally, Cooley's previous experience with sensitive and emotional storytelling could result in a narrative that resonates with viewers on multiple levels.
With Josh Cooley officially attached to the adaptation, fans and industry observers will be watching closely for further announcements regarding casting, production timelines, and release dates. As known details can shift, stakeholder expectations will likely evolve in response to upcoming developments regarding 99 Nights in the Forest.
In the meantime, audience anticipation is growing as this marks the first foray for 20th Century Studios into the realm of video games—a sector known for its devoted fan base and potential for box office success.
For insights into other projects, you may be interested in our coverage of Siobhan McGroarty joining Prime Video’s ‘Rose Hill’ adaptation and Madonna opening the MTV Video Music Awards.
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: The Hollywood Reporter. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.
