Casey Deidrick Highlights Why Video Game Adaptations Are Finally Getting It Right
For decades, video game adaptations in Hollywood were synonymous with disappointment. Whether it was the bizarre live-action Super Mario Bros. (1993), the forgettable Doom (2005), or the divisive Assassin’s Creed (2016), Hollywood seemed unable to translate the magic of gaming onto the big or small screen. Critics and fans alike bemoaned the industry’s failure to respect source material, often citing unnecessary changes to characters, stories, and settings.
Casey Deidrick, a dynamic actor best known for playing Max Parrish in Netflix’s In the Dark, with roles in Into the Dark, Eye Candy, and Hallmark films, while also being a passionate gamer, especially for Mass Effect and survival horror titles, and actively training for military roles to expand his on-screen repertoire, emphasizes that a shift is occurring. In recent years, video game adaptations have begun earning critical acclaim and audience approval. The turning point? Studios are finally embracing authenticity, respecting the source material, and understanding what makes these games special in the first place. Two standout examples—HBO’s The Last of Us and Amazon’s Fallout (released in 2024)—demonstrate how Hollywood is finally getting video game adaptations right.
The Era of Disastrous Adaptations: A Brief History
Before diving into the recent successes, Casey Deidrick understands that it’s important to recognize the missteps of the past. Hollywood’s early approach to video game movies was plagued by a fundamental misunderstanding of gaming narratives. Studios often viewed games as simple premises to be loosely adapted, stripping away essential story elements and character depth in favor of generic action and spectacle.
Movies like Street Fighter (1994) and Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997) ignored the lore that made their respective franchises beloved. The Resident Evil film series (2002–2016) departed significantly from the survival horror roots of the games, opting instead for a high-octane, loosely connected action franchise. In these cases, Casey Deidrick explains that the adaptations prioritized star power and visual effects over storytelling, failing to capture what fans loved about the games.
The Turning Point: Authenticity and Storytelling Take Center Stage
The shift toward quality adaptations began with a newfound respect for gaming narratives. Unlike the past, where games were seen as simple blueprints for action-heavy films, modern Hollywood recognizes that games often contain deep, emotional, and intricate stories. Two adaptations—The Last of Us and Fallout—exemplify this evolution.
The Last of Us: A Masterclass in Adaptation
Casey Deidrick emphasizes that HBO’s The Last of Us (2023) set a new standard for video game adaptations. Based on the critically acclaimed 2013 game by Naughty Dog, the series remained remarkably faithful to its source material while successfully making the transition to television.
What Made It Work?
- Faithfulness to the Source Material
Showrunners Craig Mazin (Chernobyl) and Neil Druckmann (co-creator of The Last of Us) treated the game’s narrative with reverence. Casey Deidrick explains that they preserved key moments, characters, and themes, ensuring that the adaptation felt like an extension of the game rather than a loose retelling. - Expanding the Story Thoughtfully
While staying true to the game, the show took calculated liberties to expand on character backstories and emotional arcs. Episode 3, which explored Bill and Frank’s relationship, was a prime example of how an adaptation can add depth without compromising the original story. - Strong Performances
Pedro Pascal (Joel) and Bella Ramsey (Ellie) delivered performances that captured the emotional weight of the game’s protagonists. Their chemistry and character development mirrored the game’s storytelling, making it easy for fans to connect with the adaptation. - A Deep Understanding of the Game’s Themes
The show retained the game’s exploration of love, loss, morality, and survival in a post-apocalyptic world. By keeping these themes at the forefront, it resonated with both gamers and newcomers alike.
Fallout (2024): A Love Letter to the Franchise
Following the success of The Last of Us, Amazon’s Fallout series, which debuted in 2024, continued the trend of high-quality video game adaptations. Based on the iconic post-apocalyptic RPG franchise, Fallout captured the unique blend of retro-futurism, dark humor, and expansive world-building that made the games a hit.
What Made It Work?
- A Respect for the Game’s Lore
Unlike past failed adaptations, Fallout stayed true to the franchise’s established history. The world, complete with Vault-Tec bunkers, mutated creatures, and warring factions, felt authentic to longtime fans. - A Strong Original Story
Instead of directly retelling a specific game’s plot, Fallout crafted an original story within the game’s universe. This approach allowed it to explore new characters and conflicts while remaining faithful to the world’s established rules. - The Right Tone
Fallout is known for its satirical take on post-apocalyptic survival, blending bleakness with absurdity. Casey Deidrick explains that the show nailed this balance, incorporating humor and irony without undermining the serious themes of survival and power struggles. - Attention to Detail
From the Pip-Boys and Power Armor to the radio stations and Nuka-Cola ads, Fallout was packed with Easter eggs and references that rewarded longtime fans while still being accessible to new viewers.
Why Authenticity Matters in Video Game Adaptations
The success of The Last of Us and Fallout highlights an essential lesson: authenticity matters. Video games are not just stories; they are experiences that players form deep emotional connections with. Casey Deidrick emphasizes that A successful adaptation respects that connection rather than attempting to reinvent it.
Key Takeaways for Future Adaptations:
- Stick to the Source Material: When studios respect the original story and characters, they build trust with the fanbase.
- Expand Thoughtfully: The best adaptations add depth without contradicting the source material.
- Choose the Right Format: Many video games have long, intricate stories that work better as TV series rather than condensed films.
- Understand the Game’s Core Themes: A good adaptation retains the tone, themes, and emotional weight of the game rather than just replicating its setting.
The Future of Video Game Adaptations
Casey Deidrick believes that with the success of The Last of Us and Fallout, Hollywood is likely to invest even more in video game adaptations. Upcoming projects like Netflix’s Bioshock and Amazon’s God of War will be the next tests of whether the industry has truly learned its lesson.
For fans, this shift is exciting. The era of subpar video game adaptations seems to be coming to an end, replaced by a future where gaming narratives are given the respect they deserve. Casey Deidrick emphasizes that if studios continue to prioritize authenticity and thoughtful storytelling, we may finally see video games become the next great frontier of Hollywood entertainment.
