‘American McGee’s Alice’ Live-Action Adaptation Pulls ‘Metal Gear Solid’ David Hayter Down the Rabbit Hole as Showrunner
When Lewis Carroll wrote Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, he never could have known it would turn into such a breeding ground for odd, dark, and twisted adaptations like American McGee’s Alice live-action series. However, the horror video game, which presented Wonderland as a strange and cruel world, caught the attention of Radar Pictures. And the White Rabbit has brought Metal Gear Solid English voice actor David Hayter down the rabbit hole. Hayter will help write the series with a dark look at Alice, the Queen of Hearts, the March Hare, and more.
What story is the ‘American McGee’s Alice’ live-action series going to follow?
While casual gaming fans might recognize Hayter in the Metal Gear Solid series from Solid Snake fighting Mario and Link in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, American McGee’s Alice and Alice: Madness Returns might prove more obscure.
Rogue Entertainment developed American McGee’s Alice in 2000. It follows Alice Liddell (based on the real-life Alice who inspired Lewis Carroll) in a warped Wonderland. After surviving a house fire that kills her parents, she then experiences survivor’s guilt, affecting Wonderland.
Of course, all the usuals appear, though not as you may remember. The Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, and the Jabberwocky make appearances but in twisted forms. As Alice fights through the dark Wonderland, the real world Alice struggles to repair her mind.
And now, the American McGee’s Alice live-action show plans a faithful adaptation.
The game is not quite as friendly as Solid Snake sparing against Legend of Zelda or Super Mario heroes.
Everything we know about ‘American McGee’s Alice’ live-action series
If the influx of Nightmare Before Christmas fans never tipped you off, the market for darker takes on children’s tales is strong.
“Ted Field’s Radar Pictures has nabbed the rights to American McGee’s Alice, the action adventure game from publisher Electronic Arts, and attached X-Men writer David Hayter to do a TV adaptation in partnership with Abandon Entertainment,” The Hollywood Reporter said.
The series looks to adapt the first indie game pretty faithfully. When Alice returns from Through the Looking Glass, she discovers her parents died in a tragic fire. She spirals until her admittance to a mental institution. However, the White Rabbit calls her away again to Wonderland.
To help both herself and discover more of her parent’s death, she must fight to restore Wonderland.
“American McGee’s Alice and Alice: Madness Returns game series is a groundbreaking reimagining of the classic tale. It takes you into the heart of a corrupted Wonderland and throws light into shadowy corners the world has never seen. I am beyond excited to bring this world of madness and wonder to a global audience,” Hayter said.
McGee is excited to work with ‘Metal Gear Solid’ David Hayter
Nintendo tried adapting Mario and The Legend of Zelda series before, but American McGee’s Alice live-action series looks much less family-friendly.
“David Hayter brings imagination, experience, and stealth sneaking skills gained through successful missions in film, TV, and video games,” McGee said in a statement, “a unique combination sure to make this adventure into Wonderland a successful one for the franchise and the fans.”
However, in the early 2000s, even Nintendo tried catering to the more mature gaming audience with games like The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. The fan base is there and ready for the American McGee’s Alice live-action show.
“I am excited to be working with him and know the Alice fans will welcome him with mad affection,” M
