Major Film Development Announcement
In a significant development for the entertainment industry, Paramount CEO David Ellison has expressed that the upcoming film adaptation of the Call of Duty video game franchise is a “dream come true.” This collaboration between Paramount and Activision will lead to the creation, production, and distribution of a live-action film based on this immensely popular gaming series.
The agreement aims to engage the franchise’s widespread fan base by highlighting the elements fans cherish while also reaching out to new audiences. This announcement was made early Tuesday morning by both companies.
Call of Duty: A Gaming Giant
Call of Duty stands as one of the most celebrated video game franchises, boasting sales of 500 million copies across various titles. It has been recognized as the top-selling game series in the U.S. for the last 16 years, featuring first-person shooter gameplay that spans historical periods from World War II and Vietnam to contemporary times and even future scenarios.
As video game intellectual property gains prominence among film and television producers, established franchises are increasingly sought after. Universal and Illumination have successfully adapted Nintendo’s Super Mario games into a lucrative film franchise, while Sony is collaborating with Nintendo on a film adaptation of The Legend of Zelda. Additionally, Paramount has already experienced success with its film adaptation of Sonic the Hedgehog, and several other gaming franchises, including Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, Metal Gear Solid, and Elden Ring, are set to receive their own film adaptations in the near future.
The Vision for the Film
Ellison, who identifies himself as a lifelong fan of Call of Duty, shared his excitement about the project, stating, “As a lifelong fan of Call of Duty this is truly a dream come true. From the first Allied campaigns in the original Call of Duty, through Modern Warfare and Black Ops, I’ve spent countless hours playing this franchise that I absolutely love.” He emphasized the honor and responsibility of translating this beloved storytelling universe to the big screen.
He assured fans that the film will be approached with the same dedication to excellence that characterized their work on Top Gun: Maverick, stating, “I can promise that we are resolute in our mission to deliver a cinematic experience that honors the legacy of this one-in-a-million brand – thrilling longtime fans of Call of Duty while captivating a whole new generation.”
Paramount’s Strategic Direction
Earlier this month, Ellison mentioned in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that gaming is a key area of interest for Paramount, and the company’s investment in this sector seems to be expanding. The partnership with Activision marks an additional step in bolstering Paramount’s portfolio of intellectual properties.
Since Ellison and Skydance took the helm of Paramount last month, the studio has secured several major deals, including a $7.7 billion investment for UFC rights and an exclusive multi-year partnership with the Duffer brothers, the creators of Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things.
Activision’s Commitment
Activision’s president, Rob Kostich, also shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “Throughout its history, Call of Duty has captured our imagination with incredible action and intense stories that have brought millions of people together from around the world, and that focus on making incredible Call of Duty games remains unwavering.” He expressed confidence in the partnership with Paramount, which aims to bring the franchise’s exciting action to the silver screen. The goal, according to Kostich, is simple: to craft an unforgettable blockbuster experience that resonates with the community while also attracting new fans.
