Donald Glover is heading into the world of video game adaptations, with Netflix developing a live-action television series based on the hugely popular battle royale franchise PUBG: Battlegrounds. The multi-talented actor, writer and filmmaker is taking on several roles behind the scenes, as well as starring in the upcoming project.
According to reports, Glover will star, write, direct and executive produce the series, marking his first television project with Netflix. Joining him creatively is his brother and longtime collaborator Stephen Glover, who will also serve as a writer and executive producer.
Originally released in 2017 as PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, PUBG helped establish the battle royale genre as a global gaming phenomenon. The multiplayer experience sees up to 100 players compete against one another, with the ultimate objective of being the last person standing. Its enormous popularity has helped turn the franchise into one of gaming’s most recognisable properties, making a television adaptation an intriguing next step.
The series is being developed with Krafton’s entertainment division, LV3H, which is helping bring the gaming property to the screen as the company continues expanding its entertainment ambitions. Executive producers also include Michael Schaefer for Neon TV, Fam Udeorji for Gilga, and Taeseok Jang and Sujin Lee for LV3H.
The project reunites Donald and Stephen Glover, who previously worked together on the critically acclaimed FX series Atlanta. The series earned Donald multiple Emmy Awards, further establishing his reputation as one of the industry’s most distinctive creative voices. His other notable credits include Community and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, which he co-created and starred in.
While the PUBG announcement is exciting news for Glover fans, it also arrives as audiences continue waiting for another long-anticipated project: the Community movie. Despite years of discussion surrounding the film, there has been no fresh update on its progress alongside the Netflix announcement.
The PUBG adaptation also adds to Netflix’s growing investment in video game properties. The streamer continues to explore established gaming franchises, with projects including a live-action Assassin’s Creed series and animated adaptations of Minecraft, Magic: The Gathering and Clash of Clans. Meanwhile, a Gears of War film is also among the gaming projects in development.
For now, Netflix is keeping further details about the PUBG series under wraps. No additional cast members, story details or production timeline have been announced, and a release date has yet to be confirmed.
With Donald Glover leading the project both in front of and behind the camera, the adaptation has the potential to bring a fresh creative perspective to one of gaming’s biggest franchises.
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