Animated adaptations of video games are having a moment. From Arcane‘s League of Legends drama to the critically-acclaimed Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, it’s clear gaming franchises can thrive even on the small screen. And now, one of the iconic franchises from Blizzard may be lining up for its own Netflix debut — again.
On a recent episode of The Xbox Two Podcast, Jez Corden of Windows Central dropped a surprise during a conversation with co-host Rand al Thor.
“I’ve heard — I’m not gonna say what game it is,” Jez said cautiously, “But there is a Blizzard franchise that’s getting some kind of a Netflix treatment.”
That’s all he can afford to say. Nevertheless, Jez followed up with a cheeky, “There’s not many Blizzard franchises,” pointing listeners straight toward the obvious candidates.
Interestingly, this wouldn’t be Blizzard’s first flirtation with the streaming giant. Back in 2019, Starcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo were reportedly set to get Netflix adaptations. According to industry reporter Jason Schreier in a Reddit AMA, each project was in development before a corporate clash derailed the entire slate.
Blizzard had filed a lawsuit against Netflix for allegedly poaching their then-CFO, Spencer Neumann. This particular action seemingly led to a breach of contract and the eventual cancellation of all planned adaptations.
Now, years later, one of those projects might be rising from the ruins of corporate war.
Netflix has had major success with gaming adaptations lately, thanks to Arcane, Castlevania, Cyberpunk: Edgerunner, and Devil May Cry. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Blizzard finally get its turn in the spotlight. Especially considering how fans have been clamoring for a full-length series since the Wrath of the Lich King trailer was dropped way back in 2008.
Overwatch‘s fun superhero vibe and rich lore seem to work best for a Blizzard Netflix adaptation. But who knows, maybe the company wants to take a crack at adapting Warcraft once more. For more details on Jez and Rand’s conversation, you can watch the podcast above, starting at the 1:00:47 mark.
