Sony is turning Bloodborne into an R-rated animated feature produced with PlayStation Productions and Lyrical Animation, with creator Seán McLoughlin attached as a producer
The entertainment world learned at CinemaCon that Bloodborne, the acclaimed PlayStation title, is being adapted into an R-rated animated feature by Sony pictures. The studio confirmed the project will be produced in partnership with PlayStation Productions and Lyrical Animation, and co-financed by Lyrical Media alongside Sony. Studio executives framed the film as a faithful translation of the game’s violent and eerie atmosphere, promising audiences that the adaptation will not dilute the source material’s intensity. While casting and plot beats are being kept private, the announcement emphasized a commitment to the game’s darker elements and adult-oriented tone, and it reiterated that a release date has not yet been set.
The decision to label the project R-rated signals a clear creative choice: the filmmakers intend to preserve the game’s brutal imagery and mature themes. The original Bloodborne was developed by FromSoftware and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, and it built a reputation for punishing gameplay, dense lore, and unsettling worldbuilding. Translating those qualities into animation gives creators the freedom to stage surreal, nightmarish sequences while avoiding some of the constraints of live-action. Studio leaders said they want the film to reflect the game’s uncompromising spirit rather than sanitize it for younger viewers, a stance that aligns with the production’s announced rating.
Alongside Sony and PlayStation Productions, the adaptation lists Lyrical Animation as a producing company, with parent company Lyrical Media helping to finance the picture. Popular content creator Seán McLoughlin, known online as Jacksepticeye, is also on board as a producer; McLoughlin has been a prominent public advocate for the game and reportedly reaches roughly 48 million followers across platforms. At CinemaCon, studio representatives — including leaders from Sony Pictures — described the film as aiming to be “very true” to the game’s gory spirit, a comment that underlines the collaboration between gaming and film teams to capture the franchise’s distinctive mood.
The gothic cityscapes, grotesque enemies, and surreal transformations that define Bloodborne are well suited to an animated treatment. Animation allows visual teams to render the game’s atmosphere with creative camera work and striking set pieces without needing to rely on physical stunts or practical effects. Calling the film R-rated also aligns the adaptation with audience expectations established by the game: its combat, visceral imagery, and complex narrative naturally point toward a mature audience. Producers argue that keeping the content uncompromised will help the film resonate with longtime fans while attracting viewers who appreciate darker horror in animated form.
Having Seán McLoughlin attached as a producer highlights a growing trend where creators and community figures serve as bridges between franchises and their audiences. McLoughlin’s long history with Bloodborne — streaming playthroughs, analyses, and reactions — gives him a distinctive perspective on what fans value. The team’s inclusion of an influential content creator aims to reassure the community that the adaptation will respect the source material. This move is one of several industry tactics meant to combine studio resources with authentic fan engagement to minimize backlash and generate early interest.
The project joins a wider slate of PlayStation-based adaptations that Sony has been building into film and television properties. Recent and announced projects include a filmed adaptation of Helldivers directed by Justin Lin and starring Jason momoa, as well as a high-profile movie version of The Legend of Zelda directed by Wes Ball with Benjamin Evan Ainsworth and Bo Bragason attached in lead roles. Sony’s previous play for gaming properties also includes the global success of Uncharted, which grossed over $400 million worldwide, and TV efforts such as The Last of Us and Twisted Metal. With the industry seeing strong box office returns for game-based films, Sony appears to be doubling down on adaptations that keep close to the source while exploring different formats, including animation aimed at adult audiences.