Adi Shankar, the creative force behind Netflix's Castlevania and Devil May Cry adaptations, has secured the screen rights to Duke Nukem from Gearbox Software.
The acclaimed showrunner hinted at this new project during an Esquire interview. While Devil May Cry Season 2 remains his immediate focus, Shankar confirmed development is underway for an adaptation of the legendary FPS franchise.
"Various IP holders keep approaching me about collaborations," Shankar revealed. "I've acquired the Duke Nukem rights from Gearbox - specifically the screen adaptation rights, not gaming."
Major Video Game Adaptations Coming in 2025 and Beyond
View 50 Images
The Duke Nukem franchise remains quintessential '90s gaming culture, debuting in 1991 but achieving FPS fame with 1996's Duke Nukem 3D. Despite numerous sequels over the next 15 years, the franchise's reputation suffered irreparable damage from 2011's critically panned Duke Nukem Forever, leaving the iconic hero dormant ever since.
Shankar already envisions how to modernize Duke Nukem for contemporary audiences. While project details remain unclear - whether an animated series resembling his other works, a film, or something entirely different - Shankar confirms active development.
"This won't be subject to corporate creative interference."
"Duke Nukem represents rebellion against conformity," Shankar explained regarding his creative vision. "When it became successful, people tried transforming it into just another brand, when it's fundamentally counterculture. Corporate involvement inherently contradicts what Duke Nukem stands for. Nobody will dictate creative direction on this project."
While casting, plot specifics, and release timelines remain undisclosed, questions linger about how Shankar's acquisition affects Legendary Entertainment's previously announced Duke Nukem film plans from 2022.
Duke Nukem 3D Anniversary Edition
View 8 Images
For insight into Shankar's creative approach, examine his previous Netflix projects. Our reviews awarded Devil May Cry Season 1 an 8/10 rating, while Castlevania's debut season scored 8.1/10 back in 2017. Shankar's current Netflix slate includes the Castlevania: Nocturne spinoff, an Assassin's Creed adaptation, and surprisingly, an animated PUBG series.
