The quality and dedication going into modern video game adaptations is finally demonstrative of what fans have always wanted. The Last of Us’ HBO show had many divisive moments that pulled away from the original game, but its budget, overall faithfulness, and attention to detail has shown that proper adaptations are possible with the right people behind them. One huge reason why it excelled is likely because Neil Druckmann was working to honor the game in many ways. Guerilla Games’ Horizon franchise is now scheduled to receive its own adaptation, though it is still unclear what the Netflix series will center around.
There are rumors this series could be a prequel, which would mean that Horizon protagonist Aloy might not be involved at all - aside from the actor's potential role as Dr. Elisabet Sobeck, who would carry over due to cloning plots. Either way, casting Aloy could invite a harmful, sexist complaint back from the past, when some argued that Aloy looked too masculine in Horizon Forbidden West.
Horizon’s Aloy Was Hit by Misogynist Claims
This controversy stemmed from one Twitter user explaining how they perceived Aloy as not being conventionally attractive or feminine via arbitrary standards. They went so far as to mock up their ideal depiction of Aloy as a grinning woman who many compared to a Disney princess.
These are not standards that any woman should have to be compared to, let alone a fictional character who has more practical concerns in her daily life of hunting and gathering in a science-fiction dystopia. Shortly thereafter, the Twitter user received backlash from Horizon Forbidden West fans for their misogynistic opinion of what they think women need to look like in media.
Whether this opinion was solicited or not, it will likely be rehashed when Netflix’s Horizon series casts Aloy. This casting will be incredibly important since Aloy has become one of PlayStation’s first-party franchise mascots alongside God of War’s Kratos and Atreus, The Last of Us’ Joel and Ellie, and Ratchet and Clank’s titular characters, but that may just increase scrutiny from bad-faith actors.
Netflix’s Horizon Show Shouldn't Pull Punches When Casting Aloy
Short of scouting an actor who looks uncannily like Aloy, such as the character’s facial model Hannah Hoekstra, casting for the role will undoubtedly resurface this issue. The problem with Aloy’s casting is that if an actor is cast who is not perceived as being "attractive enough," online forums won't hear the end of it. On the other hand, if Netflix casts someone who is more conventionally attractive than Aloy it would insinuate that misogynist audiences have been appeased. Aloy should be able to exhibit masculinity, femininity, or both and still be true to the character.
Regardless of who ends up playing Aloy, the character will hopefully be portrayed and adapted well to Netflix. The chosen actor will need to play Horizon’s Aloy and Elisabet distinctively, and it will be interesting to see if the actor chosen has the talent for such a dichotomy.
Other important characters will also require stand-out actors, though a few who share a physical resemblance to their actors seem like a shoo-in. Carrie-Anne Moss and Angela Bassett are obvious live-action choices for their respective roles in Horizon Forbidden West. Unfortunately, the recent passing of Lance Reddick means the same cannot be said for Horizon’s Sylens, which will undoubtedly have an impact that is felt throughout the franchise.
A live-action Horizon series is in development for Netflix.