If you have fond memories of playing the “Oregon Trail” video game and trying not to get red fever or falling victim to other illnesses, we have good news for you. According to The Hollywood Reporter, a movie inspired by the game about settlers heading west in a group of covered wagons is in development.
According to an article in the Hollywood Reporter, a film adaptation of the game is in early development at Apple, with Will Speck and Josh Gordon set to direct and produce. Sources say the film will feature “several original musical numbers in the vein of Barbie,” courtesy of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who composed and produced the original music.
Pasek and Paul recently won an Emmy for their song “Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?,” which was featured on last season’s “Only Murders in the Building.”
The Hollywood Reporter article also notes that the Lucas Brothers (Keith and Kenny Lucas) and Max Riesman will be directing the action-comedy, which is inspired by “games aimed at emulating 19th-century frontiers.” He also said that he plans to write a script for a work that will be praised as such. A covered wagon train heading west. Created in 1971, the game was popular into the 1990s as one of the first educational computer games allowed to be used in schools, and with its hilariously dark storyline filled with broken arms, typhoid fever, and dysentery. It gained cult popularity among American elementary school students. ”
— Christy Turnquist Learn about features and entertainment. Please contact us at 503-221-8227. kturnquist@oregonian.com or @Kristiturnquist
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