Sydney Sweeney to Star in 'Split Fiction' Film From Jon M. Chu and 'Deadpool & Wolverine' Writers
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The breakout co-op game becomes Hollywood's next high-stakes fantasy epic, with Sweeney leading the charge, Chu behind the camera, and studios in a heated bidding war.
Sydney Sweeney is leveling up again. The Emmy-nominated actress and producer—best known for breakout turns in Euphoria, Anyone But You, and Immaculate—is set to headline the upcoming film adaptation of Split Fiction, a critically acclaimed fantasy/sci-fi video game that’s rapidly built a cult following since its release just last month. The big-screen version will be directed by Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights filmmaker Jon M. Chu and scripted by the powerhouse duo behind Deadpool & Wolverine, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, Variety has confirmed exclusively.
In addition to starring, Sweeney will also executive produce the film, adding another major title to her growing portfolio of genre-driven, creator-led projects. The film is being produced by Mike Goldberg and Dmitri M. Johnson via Story Kitchen (formerly dj2 Entertainment), alongside Chu’s production company Electric Somewhere. Story Kitchen has rapidly become one of the most influential players in the game-to-screen space, with multiple successful and in-progress adaptations to its name.
Split Fiction, developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts, tells the story of two estranged authors—Mio and Zoe—who mysteriously find themselves transported into the narrative universes of their own novels. It’s a world-hopping, emotionally charged story that balances surreal sci-fi mechanics with intimate, character-driven storytelling. The game, co-written by Hazelight founder Josef Fares (best known for It Takes Two) and Sebastian Johansson, combines co-op platforming with puzzle-solving and narrative choice—earning widespread acclaim for its innovation and emotional depth.
Within just a week of its March 6 release, Split Fiction had already sold over two million copies globally and has continued to chart as one of the best-selling titles of the year across all major gaming platforms. The buzz surrounding the game—especially its cinematic potential—sparked near-instant interest from Hollywood, culminating in the current high-stakes packaging effort now underway.
Though Sweeney’s role has yet to be officially announced, sources suggest she’s in the running to play either Mio or Zoe—each with a distinct personality and story arc. Mio is the quieter, more internalized thinker whose world resembles a dreamlike, dystopian fable, while Zoe is a rebellious, high-energy creator whose imagined universe pulses with cyberpunk chaos. Either role would give Sweeney ample room to explore emotional nuance, action-driven set pieces, and the kind of stylized storytelling that has become her signature.
The package is already drawing serious interest from multiple studios and streamers, with insiders noting the project began generating heat during last month’s Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. Industry watchers anticipate a major bidding war in the coming weeks, with the project offering the rare combination of commercial IP, proven star power, and creative prestige.
For producers Goldberg and Johnson, Split Fiction is the latest feather in a cap already adorned with genre favorites: the Sonic the Hedgehog films, Netflix’s animated Tomb Raider series, Lionsgate’s Streets of Rage adaptation, and Amazon MGM’s upcoming films based on It Takes Two and ToeJam & Earl. Their studio, Story Kitchen, has emerged as one of the most trusted names when it comes to adapting beloved games into narrative features—particularly those that blend humor, heart, and hybrid storytelling formats.
