EXCLUSIVE: The life story of video gaming’s original rock star is coming to the screen. John Romero is known as the godfather of first-person shooter and for his pioneering work on titles including Doom, Wolfenstein 3D and Quake. The book telling his life story is now being worked up as both a doc and a scripted series.
Romero’s autobiography Doom Guy: Life in First Person was published last year to critical acclaim. It will be the basis for a documentary from Rob McCallum, the Canadian filmmaker who recently won the TIFF People’s Choice Award for Amazon doc Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe. A drama adaptation of Romero’s book is also being developed. Naomi Harvey will exec produce both projects under the Golden Possum Productions banner.
Romero’s book covered how his Mexican, Cherokee, Yaqui heritage and formative years in 1980s America led to his pioneering work in gaming, and the creation of seminal companies including id Software, which he cofounded with John Carmack, and Ion Storm.
The videogames icon said: “Talking with both Rob and Naomi, I knew they were the perfect team to bring Doom Guy to life. Our backgrounds and aspirations have uncanny similarities, and I trust them to tell the story.”
McCallum’s Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe has scored five noms in this week’s Canadian Screen Awards.
Speaking about Doom Guy, he said: “John Romero’s journey is the missing antidote for all of us misfit toys looking for hope and kindred spirits in the darkness of the world. It’s an unbelievable rock n’ roll, boundary-shattering, thrill ride grounded in humanity, integrity, patience and clever chess moves slathered in innocence, tenacity and pure coolness.”
Harvey added: “John’s story is incredibly powerful—not just the part about the revolutionary games he created, but his profound impact on those around him. His story is one of triumph over trauma, filled with compassion and inspiration.”