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Amazon Prime Video Greenlights Live-Action 'Life Is Strange' Series with Charlie Covell as Showrunner
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Amazon Prime Video has announced a straight-to-series order for a live-action adaptation of the critically acclaimed video game franchise ‘Life Is Strange,’ with Charlie Covell—who identifies as queer and nonbinary—attached as the series’ writer, executive producer, and showrunner. This marks a milestone moment for LGBTQ+ representation in prestige television, with Covell at the creative helm of a globally recognized, queer-inclusive property .
The "Life Is Strange" franchise, developed by Square Enix, has long been celebrated for its nuanced storytelling and authentic, empathetic portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, especially its central relationship between Max Caulfield and Chloe Price. The new adaptation will be produced by Square Enix, Story Kitchen, LuckyChap, and Amazon MGM Studios. Charlie Covell, known for their work on Netflix’s ‘The End of the F***ing World,’ brings a history of critically lauded, character-driven drama and a personal commitment to queer storytelling .
In a statement, Covell said, “It’s a huge honor to be adapting "Life Is Strange" for Amazon MGM Studios. I am a massive fan of the game, and I’m thrilled to be working with the incredible teams at Square Enix, Story Kitchen, and LuckyChap. I can’t wait to share Max and Chloe’s story with fellow players and new audiences alike” . This aligns with Amazon MGM Studios’ stated mission to bring “deeply captivating” and inclusive stories to a global audience, as highlighted by Nick Pepper, head of US SVOD TV and development .
Originally released in 2015, the first "Life Is Strange" game was celebrated for its innovative narrative mechanics, emotional storytelling, and central queer relationship, earning numerous awards and selling over 20 million copies by 2023 . The series follows Max, a photography student who discovers she can rewind time, and her relationship with her childhood best friend, Chloe. As they investigate the disappearance of a fellow student, they confront the darker undercurrents of their town and are ultimately forced to make impossible choices with far-reaching consequences .
The "Life Is Strange" franchise has been heralded as a “cultural touchstone” by its producers for its groundbreaking approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion and emotionally resonant storytelling . Adaptation rumors had circulated for nearly a decade, with previous attempts in development limbo. This official greenlight by Amazon Prime Video marks the first time a live-action version has been formally ordered to series .
The decision to have Charlie Covell, a queer and nonbinary showrunner, lead the adaptation has been widely celebrated in both entertainment and LGBTQ+ circles. LuckyChap, one of the production partners, expressed their excitement: “We’ve been huge fans of the visionary Charlie Covell for years, so partnering with them on the adaptation of "Life Is Strange" is truly a dream come true. Charlie is an exceptional steward of revered IP, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have them at the helm of such an original, beloved, and culturally resonant video game” .
Square Enix’s studio heads Jon Brooke and Lee Singleton also underscored the importance of this adaptation, noting the years of fan demand for a TV series and their confidence in the partnership with Amazon MGM Studios to bring the universe to life .
With news of the series’ greenlight, speculation has already begun regarding casting for the lead roles of Max and Chloe. The fandom remains especially invested, given the characters’ legacy within LGBTQ+ gaming communities. No official casting announcements have been made, but early reports suggest strong interest from notable young actors .
"Life Is Strange’s" impact on LGBTQ+ visibility in gaming and popular culture has been widely recognized by advocacy organizations and media scholars. The franchise’s willingness to center queer narratives and complex female protagonists has set a precedent in gaming, with its influence now set to expand through this high-profile television adaptation .
Having a queer and nonbinary showrunner at the helm is especially significant as the industry continues its efforts towards authentic inclusion. This move aligns with calls from LGBTQ+ media advocacy organizations for increased representation behind the camera, as well as on screen, ensuring that stories reflect the diversity and lived experiences of their audiences.
The live-action series is in pre-production, with no official release date announced. The production team promises to honor the emotional depth and inclusive spirit of the original games, aiming to engage both longtime fans and those new to the "Life Is Strange" universe .
As anticipation builds, the adaptation is poised to set a new standard for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media, both through its subject matter and its team. Industry observers and fans alike await further announcements regarding casting, creative team members, and how the show plans to translate the game’s unique interactive narrative style to episodic television .
For the LGBTQ+ community, the news is both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the ongoing work to create media that affirms and reflects diverse identities. With a visionary like Charlie Covell at the helm and a beloved franchise as its source, "Life Is Strange’s" journey from game console to global streaming platform stands as a testament to the power of inclusive storytelling .
