With more and more video games being adapted, it's probably not surprising that there's another one in the works. This time, it's a shooter game.
A live-action Call of Duty movie is coming soon, and it could be from an unlikely director. Publisher Activision has announced (via BBC) that it will work with Paramount Movie Studios to turn its iconic shooter video game into a blockbuster "designed to thrill its massive global fan base".
Paramount CEO David Ellison said, "As a lifelong fan of Call of Duty, this is truly a dream come true." He also added that adapting the film was "an honor and a responsibility that we don't take lightly."
The had of Activision hopes this new adaptation will create an "unforgettable experience" that will appeal to existing players, the gaming community and newbies.
Which Call of Duty game will be adapted?
With no director, writer, or actors attached, it's our guess which of the 23 main entries in the Call of Duty series will get a big-screen adaptation. With so many interesting plots to choose from, fans are considering that this will just be another shoot-em-up action movie with the famous name attached to attract fans.
When fans responded to the news, Black Ops was the most popular option. The 2010 game followed a 1960s CIA operative during the Cold War. The plot of the game has lots of nuance and complexity, ripe for themes when it comes to adapting it for the big screen. Let's hope they do something interesting with the franchise and not use the IP for another Michael Bay-esque action.
At the end of the day, are there any games left to adapt? We expect an announcement about a Fortnite movie any day now.
Why Steven Spielberg nearly directed Call Of Duty
According to Puck News, Spielberg and his Amblin production company wanted to bring Call Of Duty to life. The avid COD player allegedly pitched to Activision, but the publisher behind the franchise was reportedly "spooked" at how much control he wanted.
The director, who is no stranger to the world of war films, wanted "top-of-market economics, final cut, and full control over production and marketing." This wasn't what the publisher was looking for, but we can't help but wonder what Spielberg wanted to do with the source material.
Activision, in a perhaps strange decision, chose Paramount's pitch as it gave them more control. Clearly, the man who made Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan wasn't good enough to bring the shooter game to life. Perhaps Activision really liked what Paramount did with their Sonic the Hedgehog adaptations, but we suspect the appeal is because the studio is behind blockbuster hits Top Gun: Maverick and Mission: Impossible.
Luckily, Spielberg fans won't have to wait long for his next project. He is currently making a yet-titled science fiction movie with Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, and Colin Firth. Written by Jurassic Park's David Koepp, it arrives in theaters next summer.