From game to screen: ‘Kingdom Come: Deliverance’ movie in the works from Czech creator Daniel Vávra

The Czech video game franchise Kingdom Come: Deliverance is being developed into a live-action film or television project, marking a significant step in the evolution of one of the country’s most successful entertainment properties. The project is being spearheaded by series co-creator Daniel Vávra, who has stepped away from his role as creative director at Warhorse Studios to focus on the adaptation.

Warhorse CEO Martin Frývaldský confirmed the move in an interview with CzechCrunch, describing the planned film as a “milestone” for the studio. While still in early development, the project reflects a broader strategy to expand the Kingdom Come brand beyond video games into other media formats.

The shift comes as Warhorse builds on the global success of its historical RPG series, which has sold millions of copies and helped elevate Czech game development onto the international stage.

From game development to media expansion

According to Frývaldský, Vávra’s transition away from day-to-day involvement in game development is not a departure from the company, but a strategic shift. The writer and director, widely seen as the creative force behind Kingdom Come: Deliverance, is now focused on developing a screenplay for the adaptation.

Warhorse has been exploring ways to expand the franchise for some time. In addition to the core games, the studio has already experimented with spin-off content, including comics, concerts, merchandise, and tourism initiatives tied to the game’s historically accurate depiction of medieval Bohemia.

The planned film represents the most ambitious extension yet. Frývaldský emphasized that the project will not simply be a re-edited version of the game’s narrative, such as the cinematic cut previously shown at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Instead, it is envisioned as a large-scale production with its own creative identity.

A working version of the script already exists, and discussions with film industry partners are underway. Warhorse intends to remain closely involved in the project rather than selling off the rights, aiming to retain creative control over how the story is adapted for screen audiences.

The company’s leadership restructuring reflects this broader evolution. As Warhorse has grown to nearly 300 employees, new creative directors have taken over game development responsibilities, allowing Vávra to concentrate fully on the film project.

Global ambitions and industry challenges

The proposed adaptation is being developed with international audiences in mind, targeting markets in the United States, Western Europe, and Asia. However, Frývaldský acknowledged the challenges inherent in bringing a historically grounded, Central European story to a global audience.

Video game adaptations have had a mixed track record in both critical and commercial terms, although recent successes have begun to shift perceptions. Warhorse appears aware of these risks, positioning the project carefully in terms of budget and scope.

Unlike the studio’s games—which achieved strong results despite comparatively modest budgets—the film will need to balance ambition with financial constraints. Frývaldský noted that the production is unlikely to reach the scale of major Hollywood blockbusters, but will aim to replicate the studio’s approach in gaming: delivering high-quality storytelling without relying on unlimited resources.

Another key creative decision still under consideration is whether the film will retell the story of the games or introduce an original narrative set within the same universe. Warhorse is reportedly exploring both options, potentially combining familiar elements with new storylines to appeal to existing fans while attracting newcomers.

The franchise’s strong narrative foundation, shaped by Vávra’s previous work on both Kingdom Come: Deliverance and the Mafia series, is expected to play a central role in the adaptation’s appeal.

The move into film follows renewed momentum for the brand after the release of its sequel, which achieved strong sales and further expanded its global audience. The success has also had real-world effects, including increased tourism to locations featured in the games and recognition from Czech political leaders.