‘Dead Island’ Zombie Video Game Coming to Big Screen

After months of rumors and hiccups, the zombie video game Dead Island will be adapted for the big screen after all.

Lionsgate, who acquired the rights from game publisher Deep Silver, made the official announcement on Tuesday, just three weeks after the video game's North American release.

This is exactly the type of property we're looking to adapt at Lionsgate -- it's sophisticated, edgy, and a true elevation of a genre that we know and love. It also has built in brand recognition around the world, and franchise potential, Lionsgate motion picture group president Joe Drake said in a statement.

While no writers and actors have been named, Lionsgate confirmed that Sean Daniel, who produced 1999's The Mummy and its two sequels, will serve as producer to the Dead Island film project.

The big screen version of the video game will have some big shoes to fill, after the trailer for the video game variety went viral in February.

Deep Silver and developer Techland surprised critics and fans alike, as the trailer gained around 10 million views online, all in the span of two days, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Made in reverse chronological order and set to a haunting piano score, the three-minute Dead Island video game trailer shows the aftermath of a brutal fight between zombies and a family on vacation. Scenes of the attack intertwine with blood curdling sounds of screams, limb dislocations and axe cuts.

With no release date announced, the Dead Island film will be an innovation of the zombie genre because of its focus on human emotion, family ties and non-linear storytelling, Lionsgate said on Tuesday.

About Dead Island:

Dead Island takes place on a fictional island named Banoi; players of the game are guests of the Royal Palms Resort.

The video game has sold more than 2 million units since its Sept. 6 release in North America.

While a child zombie was featured in the trailer, there are no child zombie characters in the video game.

In June, the Dead Island trailer was honored with a Golden Lion award at the International Festival Creativity in Cannes.

Dead Island was developed for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Watch the video game trailer below (warning: video features graphic images and illustrations of violence).