Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson has officially joined the television adaptation of the popular Payday gaming franchise as an executive producer. Known for building massive media empires and gritty crime dramas, his production presence promises to deliver relentless action to the small screen. Hip-hop's biggest television mogul takes charge of a legendary high-stakes heist video game.

Partnering with major media companies ensures that the beloved action gaming property transitions smoothly into a cinematic television experience.

As reported by Variety, Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson will executive-produce the upcoming Payday series adaptation under his G-Unit Film & Television banner. First announced in early 2026, the project brings together Vice Studios and video game developer Starbreeze Entertainment to build a massive crime drama. Jackson expressed excitement about crafting a high-energy television franchise that pushes the traditional boundaries of the heist genre forward.

“Teaming up with Vice Studios and bringing the world of Payday to the screen gives us the chance to build something big, a high-energy franchise that pushes the heist genre forward,” he said. His production company brings extensive experience in delivering successful, grounded crime narratives that resonate deeply with international television audiences.

The Payday video game franchise debuted in October 2011 with the launch of Payday: The Heist, a cooperative first-person shooter developed by Overkill Software. Over the past fifteen years, the series has expanded into a global blockbuster, with sequels in 2013 (Payday 2) and 2023 (Payday 3), selling over 50 million copies worldwide as players don iconic masks to pull off high-stakes bank robberies, and will be seen on the big screen soon, as reported by Variety.

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Bold creative visions from every executive partner promise an unapologetic adaptation that stays true to the source material.

The series Payday is currently in active development without a writer or distribution network attached. The story centres on masked protagonists carrying out daring scores against powerful enemies while navigating conspiracy, corruption, and internal betrayal. Executive leaders at Vice Studios and Starbreeze Entertainment emphasized that the production will avoid safe choices to honour the wild, rebellious energy of the games.

“G-Unit understands what makes ‘Payday’ tick, and they’re bringing a perspective that’s true to the franchise without playing it safe,” Amy Powell, president of Vice Studios, said to Variety.

Adapting the interactive heist experience requires honoring the central fantasy of executing incredible criminal operations and escaping unharmed. The production team aims to capture the authentic tension and unpredictable thrill that made the game franchise a global hit. Refusing to compromise on intensity allows the creators to build a truly uncompromising crime narrative for television screens.

“Curtis and G-Unit don’t do subtle, and neither do we. This is not about playing it safe; it’s about doing the franchise justice with people who are as immersed in the world as we are,” said Adolf Kristjansson, CEO of Starbreeze Entertainment. With 50 Cent driving production alongside Vice Studios and Starbreeze, the Payday series aims to become an unprecedented television heist landmark.

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What do you think about  the upcoming Payday series adaptation? Let us know in the comments.