Space Invaders Movie in Development, Writers Revealed

A Space Invaders movie is officially in development, with New Line Cinema enlisting the help of two screenwriters to turn the iconic video game into a feature film. For decades, fans have speculated how the alien-blasting arcade classic might translate to the big screen. Now, it’s no longer just a fan dream—it’s moving forward.

What We Know So Far About the Space Invaders Movie

According to a report from Deadline, screenwriters Ben Zazove and Evan Turner, best known for their work on The Out-Laws, have been tapped to write the film. While the project is confirmed, the creative team is keeping most details under wraps.

There’s no official plot description yet, which means it’s still unclear whether the adaptation will follow a human resistance against alien forces in a faithful retro style or take the concept into a modern, reimagined sci-fi setting. The game itself didn’t have much of a storyline, leaving plenty of room for interpretation.

From Arcade Screens to Hollywood

Space Invaders was first released in 1978, developed and published by Japanese company Taito for arcades. Designed by Tomohiro Nishikado, the game became an instant phenomenon. The concept was simple but addictive: players control a laser cannon that moves horizontally across the screen, shooting wave after wave of alien invaders slowly descending toward Earth.

The visual style was minimal, but the gameplay was tense and rewarding. Players who survived each wave would face the same threat again—only faster and more aggressive. This endless loop created a cycle of rising difficulty and intense competition for high scores.

Why Space Invaders Still Matters

Beyond its entertainment value, Space Invaders holds a special place in video game history. It was the first fixed shooter ever created and one of the earliest games with an endless gameplay loop. These mechanics would go on to influence countless arcade and console titles in the decades to come.

Its success also marked a turning point for the arcade industry. Many credit Space Invaders as a catalyst for the golden age of arcade video games in the late 1970s and early 1980s—a period that saw titles like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Galaga dominate pop culture.

A Commercial Juggernaut

The financial success of Space Invaders was staggering. By 1982, just four years after its release, the game had grossed over $3.8 billion in revenue. Adjusted for inflation, that’s well over $12 billion today. It remains the second-highest-grossing arcade video game of all time, second only to Pac-Man.

The game’s influence extended far beyond arcades. Home console ports, merchandise, and even cultural references in music and television solidified Space Invaders as more than just a game—it became a pop culture icon.

The Challenges of Adapting Space Invaders

Turning Space Invaders into a feature film presents both exciting opportunities and unique challenges. Unlike narrative-heavy games such as The Last of Us or Uncharted, Space Invaders doesn’t have a built-in story or characters. This means Zazove and Turner will have to create an original narrative framework around the game’s basic concept of an alien invasion.

Will they opt for a straight-up sci-fi war movie in the vein of Independence Day? Or could it become a stylized, retro-futuristic adventure that pays homage to the game’s late ’70s origins? Either direction could work, but it will need a strong creative vision to avoid becoming just another generic alien movie.

A Nostalgia-Driven Trend in Hollywood

The Space Invaders adaptation fits into a broader Hollywood trend of mining nostalgia for familiar brands. Recent years have seen a surge of video game adaptations, from Sonic the Hedgehog to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, many of which have performed well at the box office.

For studios, adapting Space Invaders means tapping into a built-in audience that spans generations. For gamers who grew up in the arcade era, it’s a chance to see a childhood favorite reimagined. For younger audiences, it’s an introduction to one of gaming’s foundational titles—albeit in blockbuster form.

What’s Next

There’s no release date yet, and casting details remain a mystery. However, the involvement of seasoned screenwriters and a major studio like New Line suggests this won’t be a small-scale project. Expect a mix of visual spectacle, nostalgia, and potentially a fresh take on humanity’s battle against an overwhelming alien force.

Whether the film ends up leaning into its retro arcade roots or becomes a modern CGI-heavy space epic, one thing is certain: Space Invaders is aiming for another high score—this time at the box office.