Activision, under Microsoft’s ownership, has partnered with Paramount (fresh from its $8 billion merger with Skydance) to develop a film adaptation of the iconic Call of Duty franchise. Variety reports that the collaboration aims to launch a cinematic universe potentially spanning movies and television shows alongside the inaugural feature film.

David Ellison, Paramount’s Chairman and CEO, shared his enthusiasm in a press release:

Growing up immersed in Call of Duty’s gripping battles—from historic World War II missions to the covert operations of Black Ops—this project is deeply personal. Activision has given us the privilege of translating their unparalleled universe into film, a challenge we embrace with the same rigor that defined Top Gun: Maverick. Our team is dedicated to crafting a spectacle that resonates with diehard fans while inviting newcomers to experience the franchise’s signature intensity.

Activision President Rob Kostich highlighted their vision:

For two decades, Call of Duty has united players through its electrifying narratives and adrenaline-fueled gameplay. Teaming with Paramount allows us to elevate that excitement to cinema. This film will both celebrate the franchise’s legacy and innovate, delivering a visceral experience that captivates loyalists and uninitiated audiences alike.

Despite its cultural impact, Hollywood’s embrace of Call of Duty has been surprisingly slow. In 2015, reports surfaced about Activision Blizzard Studios developing a live-action universe, with Stefano Sollima (Sicario: Day of the Soldado) attached to direct. However, the studio shuttered in 2021, halting progress. The renewed effort now aligns with gaming adaptations’ recent box-office triumphs—from The Last of Us to Super Mario Bros—signaling a strategic pivot to external production partners.

Notably, this year’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 includes performances by actors like Frankie Adams and Milo Ventimiglia. While casting for the film remains unannounced, the game’s star-studded campaign hints at Hollywood-caliber talent potentially crossing over to the cinematic iteration.