Live-action adaptation of Call of Duty game officially in development, with partnership between Paramount and Activision
In an exciting development for the gaming industry, Paramount Pictures has secured the rights to develop a Call of Duty movie. The long-running video game franchise, which has been the No. 1 best-selling in the U.S. for 16 years and has sold over 500 million units worldwide, is set to join the ranks of other successful game adaptations.
However, details about the movie's director, cast, and release window are still scarce, as the partnership between Paramount and Activision is still in its early days. Notably, the Halo TV series, originally developed by Showtime and later moved to Paramount, was a disappointment for die-hard fans and was ultimately canceled.
David Ellison, Paramount's chairman and CEO, is a lifelong fan of the Call of Duty franchise and considers the project a passion piece. Previously, Steven Spielberg was considered to direct the Call of Duty film, but Activision declined his involvement, wanting to retain creative control. Paramount Pictures acquired the rights and will produce the film, but the director has not been publicly confirmed yet.
Meanwhile, competition for Call of Duty might arise with the upcoming release of Battlefield 6. On the other hand, Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard King has made Call of Duty part of their growing gaming empire, and if handled well, it could become another blockbuster hit in their lineup of game adaptations.
Microsoft's IP power in the entertainment industry is already evident, with the Minecraft Movie surpassing $900 million at the global box office. Other significant projects for Paramount include the upcoming Netflix's Gears of War movie and Amazon's Fallout TV series, which has already crossed 100 million views on Prime Video and is set to premiere its second season on December 17, 2025.
Call of Duty's President Rob Kostich emphasizes the goal of thrilling longtime fans while also reaching new audiences. Activision is working as a creative partner to help steer the Call of Duty movie, aiming to capture the series' trademark action and storytelling. The project's success could mark a new era for game adaptations, further blurring the lines between the gaming and film industries.
This is one of the first significant projects for Paramount since its $8 billion merger with Skydice Media, and it remains to be seen how this collaboration will shape the upcoming Call of Duty movie. As more details emerge, fans and industry watchers alike will eagerly await further updates on this highly anticipated project.
