Monkey Island Creator Ron Gilbert Expresses Concerns Over Movie Adaptations

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Published on: August 23, 2023

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Monkey Island Creator Ron Gilbert Expresses Concerns Over Movie Adaptations As video game adaptations gain rapid momentum in film and television, the classic point-and-click adventure series Monkey Island has remained a fan favorite since its original launch in 1990 by Lucasfilm Games.

Developed by industry legend Ron Gilbert, the franchise has achieved enduring popularity through multiple sequels, including the recent addition, Return of Monkey Island, which arrived on Nintendo Switch and other platforms in 2022, revitalizing interest in the iconic saga and its protagonist, Guybrush Threepwood. During a panel titled "Beneath The Return of Monkey Island: Q&A with LeCrew" at Devcom, Gilbert and fellow creators opened up about the development journey behind the series’ latest installment.

The conversation shifted to the potential of adapting Monkey Island into a movie or TV series when an attendee asked the team about any serious attempts to bring the adventure to life off-screen. Gilbert reflected on a previous effort to create a Monkey Island movie, acknowledging, "I recall that after my departure, a film project was initiated, but I’m not certain about its fate or why it was ultimately shelved." The project in question refers to an animated film once in development at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) in the late 1990s and early 2000s, which reportedly involved the writer and artist Steve Purcell but did not include significant input from the original game’s lead designers.

Despite extensive early work on the story, including scripts and storyboards, the project was abandoned after ILM was unable to secure external funding. Looking ahead, Gilbert shared candid concerns about future adaptations of the franchise.

He explained that the appeal of Monkey Island—and Guybrush Threepwood, its hapless yet earnest protagonist—lies in the interactive experience players enjoy: "I believe Guybrush resonates in the interactive medium, allowing players to connect with his journey.

My concern is that in a television or film format, there’s a risk Guybrush might be portrayed as overly foolish, which does not embody his character at all." He continued by clarifying, "Although Guybrush’s adventures have sometimes led to chaos, his intentions are always genuine.

That nuance might be lost in a non-interactive adaptation, and that possibility gives me pause." Monkey Island remains a celebrated example of narrative-driven game design and has seen widespread critical acclaim, with its latest installment, Return of Monkey Island, launching to strong reception on Nintendo Switch and digital storefronts such as the eShop.

With the franchise’s enduring appeal and the current wave of video game film adaptations, fans continue to speculate about the potential (and pitfalls) of a Monkey Island movie.

Gilbert’s insights highlight the unique challenges in translating interactive storytelling to passive entertainment while preserving character integrity. For now, Monkey Island’s legacy remains rooted in its interactive charm—from its witty writing and memorable cast to its innovative gameplay.

As interest in narrative-based games surges across platforms like Nintendo Switch, Lucasfilm Games and Ron Gilbert’s team remain at the forefront, demonstrating why certain classics are best experienced where they began: with controller in hand.

Ron Gilbert Monkey Island Lucasfilm Games ILM Devcom Return of Monkey Island Steve Purcell

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