The Paul W. S. Anderson Renaissance: 5 Massive Projects From 'In The Lost Lands' To 'House Of The Dead'

Paul W. S. Anderson, the prolific British filmmaker known for pioneering the successful video game adaptation genre, is experiencing a significant career resurgence with a slate of major projects set for release in 2025 and beyond. As of December 2025, the director is shifting gears from his recent work to deliver high-octane action and dark science fiction, proving his enduring relevance in Hollywood’s blockbuster landscape.

His upcoming work, featuring collaborations with long-time creative partner and wife Milla Jovovich, is generating substantial buzz, particularly the George R. R. Martin adaptation and a highly anticipated return to his roots in the horror-action genre. Fans of *Resident Evil* and *Mortal Kombat* have a lot to look forward to as Anderson continues to shape the future of spectacle cinema.

Paul W. S. Anderson: Biography and Career Profile

Paul William Scott Anderson, known professionally as Paul W. S. Anderson, is a celebrated English film director, producer, and screenwriter. He has cultivated a distinctive career specializing in action, science fiction, and successful adaptations of popular video games.

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• Full Name: Paul William Scott Anderson
• Born: March 4, 1965
• Birthplace: Wallsend, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
• Nationality: British
• Education: Warwick University (First-class film degree with honors)
• Spouse: Milla Jovovich (married 2009)
• Key Directorial Works: Mortal Kombat (1995), Event Horizon (1997), Resident Evil (2002), Alien vs. Predator (2004), Death Race (2008), Monster Hunter (2020)
• Signature Style: High-octane action, stylized violence, and a strong visual aesthetic, often utilizing slow-motion and complex set pieces.
• Frequent Collaborators: Milla Jovovich (actress), Jeremy Bolt (producer).

The 2025 Film Slate: New Beginnings and Genre Mastery

Anderson’s upcoming projects demonstrate a strategic balance between adapting established intellectual property (IP) and tackling literary works from celebrated authors, cementing his status as a versatile action filmmaker. The focus is squarely on big-budget, visually driven cinema.

1. In the Lost Lands (2025)

Arguably Anderson’s most anticipated immediate release is *In the Lost Lands*, a fantasy-adventure film based on a short story by *Game of Thrones* author George R. R. Martin. This marks a fascinating pivot for the director, moving from pure video game lore to a more literary, dark fantasy source.

The film boasts a powerful cast, reuniting Anderson with his wife, Milla Jovovich, and introducing Dave Bautista to the partnership. The plot centers on a desperate queen who hires a sorceress (Jovovich) to travel to the desolate "Lost Lands" to find the secret to eternal happiness. The production promises the director's signature visual flair applied to a George R. R. Martin narrative, creating a unique cinematic fusion. The film is expected to hit cinemas in 2025.

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2. The House of the Dead (TBA)

In a major announcement that thrilled fans of his earlier work, Paul W. S. Anderson is set to write and direct a new live-action movie adaptation of Sega’s classic arcade horror game, *House of the Dead*. This project represents a full-circle moment for the director, who first gained prominence by successfully translating video game experiences to the big screen.

While a previous, critically panned film bearing the same name exists (which Anderson was not involved with), this new adaptation is expected to leverage Anderson’s proven track record with the genre. His success with the six-film *Resident Evil* franchise, which grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide, positions him as the ideal candidate to deliver the action-packed, zombie-slaying horror that fans of the original Sega game crave. The project is currently in development.

The Enduring Legacy: Video Game Adaptations and Sci-Fi Horror

Paul W. S. Anderson’s career cannot be discussed without acknowledging his profound influence on the world of video game films. Before his success, the genre was largely viewed as a cinematic wasteland. Anderson changed that perception, transforming niche properties into global cinematic events.

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The Resident Evil Phenomenon

The *Resident Evil* film series, which he wrote, produced, and often directed, is his most defining achievement. Starring Milla Jovovich as Alice, an original character created for the films, the franchise successfully blended survival horror elements with frenetic, futuristic action. It stands as one of the most commercially successful video game film series of all time, establishing Anderson as a master of the sci-fi action thriller.

Mortal Kombat and Event Horizon

His 1995 adaptation of *Mortal Kombat* is still revered by many fans for capturing the spirit and energy of the fighting game. This early success set the stage for his subsequent career. Furthermore, his 1997 film *Event Horizon*, a dark, intense sci-fi horror picture, has developed a significant cult following over the decades, praised for its terrifying atmosphere and ambitious blend of science fiction and supernatural horror. These two films showcase his range within the genre framework.

3. The Status of The Long Good Friday Remake (TBA)

One of the most talked-about, yet perpetually delayed, projects in Anderson’s filmography is the remake of the 1980 British gangster classic, *The Long Good Friday*. The original film is a masterpiece of British cinema, starring Bob Hoskins.

Anderson has been attached to write and direct the remake, with reports indicating a significant shift in setting—from London’s gangland to a modern-day Miami backdrop. While the project has been discussed for years, its status remains officially TBD. The complexity of remaking such an iconic and culturally important film, coupled with Anderson’s busy schedule, suggests it remains a passion project awaiting the right window for development.

4. The Unmade Projects: Spy Hunter and Castlevania

Anderson is also known for a number of high-profile projects that have been in various stages of development but have yet to materialize. These include adaptations of other beloved video game franchises, illustrating the depth of his commitment to the genre.

For years, he was associated with a live-action film based on the gothic horror video game *Castlevania*. He has also been linked to an adaptation of the spy-car action game *Spy Hunter*. While these projects are not currently active on his immediate slate, they serve as crucial entities in understanding his directorial ambitions and the types of cinematic worlds he is drawn to—worlds defined by high stakes, stylized action, and dark, compelling narratives.

5. The Future of the Action Director

Paul W. S. Anderson’s upcoming work confirms his commitment to spectacle cinema. With *In the Lost Lands*, he is exploring high-fantasy literature alongside stars Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista, offering a fresh take on his signature visual style. His return to the horror-action genre with *House of the Dead* signals a renewed focus on the video game adaptations that made him a global name.

From the dystopian racing of *Death Race* to the alien terror of *Alien vs. Predator*, Anderson has consistently delivered films that prioritize kinetic energy and striking visuals. His ability to build successful franchises and attract major talent ensures that his influence on action and sci-fi filmmaking will continue to be felt for years to come. Fans eagerly await the next chapter in the career of this powerhouse British director, particularly the fresh, unique worlds he is building for 2025.