Nearly three years after Netflix revealed plans for a Gears of War film, momentum has picked up. David Leitch’s recent confirmation as director signals active development.

Leitch, renowned for high-octane titles such as Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, and Bullet Train, brings action expertise to the project. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, producer Kelly McCormick addressed the film’s timeline, clarifying it won’t debut simultaneously with 2026’s upcoming game release. Instead, it may launch during a complementary window.

We’re crafting the script with Jon Spaihts. The team at The Coalition and Netflix share our enthusiasm. While missing the 2026 game’s launch, the film could align thematically. This project lets David explore warfare dynamics and sci-fi elements through his distinct lens, reimagining a cherished franchise.

This strategic delay reflects industry trends prioritizing creative polish over rushed cross-promotion. Quality-driven approaches now overshadow rigid synchronization between film and game debuts.

Meanwhile, fans await Gears of War: Reloaded—an upgraded edition of 2015’s remaster—launching imminently to introduce PlayStation audiences to the series. Next year’s prequel, Gears of War: E-Day, developed by The Coalition and People Can Fly, revisits Emergence Day’s cataclysm through Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago’s harrowing origins.