2K Games has announced that Universal Pictures will be developing a movie based on 2K Games’ Xbox 360 exclusive BioShock.

The movie will be directed by Gore Verbinski, director of the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy. John Logan, writer of Gladiator and The Aviator, is in talks to do the screenplay.

It has not yet been announced when the movie will be released but the sequel to the video game BioShock is scheduled to be released in 2009.

Introducing Rapture to a wider audience

“BioShock has been hailed as one of the most highly cinematic and richly plotted titles in interactive entertainment, making it extremely well-suited to film. In partnering with Universal and Gore Verbinski, we have assembled a team that respects the uniqueness of BioShock and will translate it into a powerful movie experience,” said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two.

“Our ability to attract a major studio and unparalleled creative team speaks volumes about the strength of our BioShock franchise.”

Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K Games, noted, “BioShock fans appreciate the depth and complexity of the game, and our partnership with Gore Verbinski will introduce the world of Rapture to an even wider audience. In addition to his impressive body of work, Gore is an avid video gamer and true fan of BioShock. That was extremely important to us in deciding to move forward with this project.”