February 10, 2026, 7:23 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The history of video games is filled with titles full of action, horror, and other exciting content. It’s no wonder Hollywood is increasingly turning to adaptations to draw audiences to theaters or home screens. Fans of particularly gory material can soon look forward to another highlight–a new adaptation of “The House of the Dead.”
Star Found for “The House of the Dead”
The project first made the rounds in 2024. Now, according to the U.S. magazine “Deadline,” it has taken another important step. The report states that Isabela Merced has been cast as the lead actress.
Merced, formerly known as Isabela Moner, began her career as a young actress in several major projects, including “Transformers: The Last Knight” and “Sicario: Day of the Soldado.” More recently, she has appeared in blockbusters like “Alien: Romulus,” “Superman,” and the hit series “The Last of Us,” also a video game adaptation.
“Resident Evil” Director to Helm “The House of the Dead”
A true veteran of video game adaptations is on board for creative control. Paul W.S. Anderson is set to direct and write the screenplay. Anderson is best known for his six “Resident Evil” adaptations. He also adapted the popular gaming series “Monster Hunter.” In all these projects, his wife Milla Jovovich was cast as the lead actress.
For the original developer, Sega, the project is a “top priority,” especially after the “Sonic” movies became major successes. The plan is to make “The House of the Dead” as “immersive” as possible, with the story unfolding in real-time. Exact details of the plot are not yet available. In the games, players take on the role of a government AMS agent tasked with thwarting conspiracies and taking down hordes of the undead.
“The House of the Dead” first appeared in arcades in 1997 as a light gun shooter, where players aimed a light gun at the screen to shoot approaching zombies. Films were already produced in 2003 and 2006, with the first directed by German filmmaker Uwe Boll. Both installments were critically panned by fans and critics alike.