Josh Cooley to Adapt '99 Nights in the Forest' for 20th Century Studios

Embark on a Terrifying Cinematic Journey: '99 Nights in the Forest' Comes to Life!

A New Chapter for 20th Century Studios: Adapting a Gaming Phenomenon

20th Century Studios is venturing into uncharted territory by acquiring the theatrical film rights to '99 Nights in the Forest,' a highly popular survival horror video game. This marks a pioneering move for the studio, as it's their first endeavor into adapting a video game for the big screen. The project aims to bring the immersive and terrifying experience of the digital world to a global cinematic audience.

The Creative Visionary: Josh Cooley Leads the Screenwriting Effort

Award-winning filmmaker Josh Cooley, celebrated for his directorial work on 'Toy Story 4' and his contribution to 'Inside Out,' has been entrusted with crafting the screenplay for '99 Nights in the Forest.' Cooley's unique storytelling ability and experience with complex narratives are expected to translate the game's suspenseful atmosphere and intricate plot into a compelling cinematic script. His involvement signifies the studio's commitment to a high-quality adaptation.

Horror Maestros Join the Production Team: Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert

Adding significant weight to the project, legendary horror director Sam Raimi and his long-time producing partner Rob Tapert are confirmed to produce the film. Their extensive experience in the horror genre promises a faithful and impactful rendition of the game's chilling narrative. Their expertise is invaluable in navigating the delicate balance between video game lore and cinematic storytelling.

The Digital Origin: '99 Nights in the Forest' - A Roblox Sensation

The original '99 Nights in the Forest' game, developed by Grandma's Favourite Games (Alec Kieft, Matthew Hufton, and Cameron Angland), quickly rose to prominence on the Roblox platform. Launched in 2025, it captivated millions with its unique blend of action and survival horror, challenging players to navigate a haunted forest and rescue four lost children from menacing creatures. Its immense popularity, evidenced by billions of visits and a high player rating, underscores its potential as a film property.

A Glimpse into the Game's Narrative: Surviving the Haunted Woods

The game's premise revolves around a perilous journey through a haunted forest, where players must strategically endure 99 nights while confronting various vicious creatures. The core objective of rescuing lost children adds an emotional depth to the survival horror elements, creating a narrative rich with tension and heroic potential. This intricate plot provides a solid foundation for a thrilling cinematic adaptation.

Cooley's Creative Approach and Future Projects

While the specifics of Cooley's narrative interpretation remain under wraps, reports suggest that 20th Century Studios was highly impressed with his pitch among several contenders. Cooley's distinguished career, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for 'Toy Story 4' and a nomination for 'Inside Out,' highlights his capability to handle diverse storytelling challenges. His recent directorial success with 'Transformers One,' the first fully CG-animated Transformers film, further demonstrates his versatility and innovative approach to filmmaking.