With a Ghost of Tsushima film in development, there is a possibility that it could not live up to the expectations that fans will have. However, with a beautiful and sprawling game like Sucker Punch's send-off to the PlayStation 4, it is much easier to create a great film based on the source than expected. But the secret to the movie's success doesn't lie in its story.
Ghost of Tsushima's core theme is about doing what is right over blindly following ideals that could get others killed and ruin relationships. Jin Sakai chose to follow the former as the Ghost and live his life protecting his island. A film could follow up that storyline and see the character a short time after the game's conclusion. Rather than retell his entire origin, viewers could understand the character's story through flashbacks and create a curiosity that could lead moviegoers to play the game.
Following up the film also leaves space to tell a completely original story within Tsushima. With Jin removing what is left of the Mongols, he could also uncover a greater conspiracy that could lead to the film's main antagonist. Since history has shown that the Mongol invasion didn't end on Tsushima, a cliffhanger could cap off the movie with the threat of their return, which would lead to a sequel or a new game.
If the film's crew decides to tell a story within the game's narrative, there are still ways to tell Jin's story without sacrificing the original plot's impact. A great way would be to treat the film as a side mission similar to those found in the game. It could be set in the third act of the game, with Jin embracing his Ghost persona and see him trying to foil a Mongol plot to destroy a village or decimate a region of the island. New characters could be introduced to add even more stakes to the story and make it as impactful as the game itself.
The film's impact will have to be felt both from its story and through the characters' actions to succeed. With director Chad Stahelski attached to the film, he will undoubtedly show sword fighting in a new light, similar to how his film John Wick redefined choreographed combat and gunfights. The unique camera techniques could showcase Jin's tempered rage through his combat and add a layer to his character that is hard to see in video games, creating the same emotions and passion felt in cutscenes like the final battle between Jin and his Uncle.
The Ghost of Tsushima film has much potential for greatness. The best way to explore this is to take notes from the game and infuse it into a completely original story. This could allow more freedom to give a new vision to the franchise and let Jin shine as the film's protagonist. So long as the main story serves only as inspiration, Ghost of Tsushima has an even greater chance for success.