Are we in the golden age of video game movies?
After years of problematic big-screen adaptations, Hollywood finally seems to have found its stride when it comes to translating beloved video game franchises to the big screen. We’ve seen it with Illumination’s Super Mario Bros. films and the buzzy, upcoming Street Fighter adaptation. But perhaps the most ambitious video game adaptation ever is finally on its way to theaters, with the long-awaited Call of Duty film officially set for a June 30, 2028 release.
A powerhouse creative team behind the camera
What’s especially exciting about this adaptation of Activision’s long-running series is the pedigree behind it. The film is being directed by Lone Survivor’s Peter Berg, with a script co-authored by none other than Taylor Sheridan—who, in addition to his hugely popular TV work with Yellowstone and Landman, famously scripted Sicario.
Entering the Modern Warfare universe
Up until now, it was unknown exactly what era the Call of Duty movie would be influenced by. However, while appearing at Fanatics Fest in NYC, Berg confirmed that the movie will be set squarely within the Modern Warfare universe. Presumably, that means franchise favorites Captain Price, Soap, Ghost, and Gaz will all appear, making the movie’s casting something fans of the series will no doubt be speculating about for months.
A return to grounded, real-world action
If they do indeed adapt the rebooted Modern Warfare era, it means the Call of Duty movie will take place in a grounded continuity. The game’s campaigns famously took influence from real-life events, such as the Syrian Civil War, the 2012 Benghazi attack, and the raid on Osama Bin Laden’s compound.
That narrative style is perfectly in line with both Berg and Sheridan’s preferred aesthetic, with both men leaning toward more reality-based action in their projects. Berg did adopt a more fanciful tone for his Battleship movie, but he soon returned to a more grounded (and acclaimed) style with Lone Survivor—a film many believe is among the best ever made about the Navy SEALs.
What do you think of the Call of Duty film being set in the Modern Warfare continuity? Let us know in the comments.
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