Atari Universal Movie Deal For 10 Iconic Game IP; Script Matt Reilly & Carl Hampe Entertainment 360 Producing

July 23, 2026 - 23:32

Atari is making a major push into Hollywood. The classic video game company has signed a wide-ranging deal with Universal Pictures to develop films based on ten of its most recognizable game properties. The first project in the pipeline is an original script written by Matt Reilly and Carl Hampe, with Entertainment 360 attached to produce.

The announcement marks a significant expansion of Atari's brand beyond gaming. The company holds a deep catalog of titles that defined the early home console era, including Asteroids, Centipede, Missile Command, and Pong. While specific titles in the deal were not all disclosed, the partnership gives Universal access to a library of properties that have remained dormant in film for decades.

Matt Reilly is known for his work on action and thriller scripts, while Carl Hampe brings experience from the video game adaptation space. Entertainment 360, the production company behind recent genre hits, will shepherd the first project through development. The goal is to treat each IP as a standalone film rather than forcing them into a shared universe.

Atari has attempted film adaptations before, with mixed results. The 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie was a notorious flop, though it has since gained a cult following. More recently, the company licensed its properties for smaller projects. This Universal deal represents a more serious commitment to building a film slate.

No release dates or casting announcements have been made. The first script is expected to go through revisions before any production timeline is set.