Paramount Eyes Big-Screen Adaptation of Major Video Game Franchise

Paramount Pictures is reportedly in talks to turn the popular video game Call of Duty into a movie. Matthew Belloni reported that new studio owner David Ellison is pushing for the adaptation, aiming to bring more video game franchises to theaters.

Last week, Belloni noted that Ellison wanted Street Fighter to be the first film released from Paramount’s upcoming output deal with Legendary Pictures. Now, according to two sources, Call of Duty has become an even bigger priority.

“No talent is attached yet (agents, prep your pitches!), and the first-person shooter I.P. seems pretty tough to adapt, but it’s said to be a priority for Ellison and his studio chiefs, Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein,” Belloni wrote.

He added that this move reflects the kind of youth-focused game properties Ellison wants to pursue.

Call of Duty has been considered for a film adaptation before. Back in 2015, Activision Blizzard announced plans to create a live-action Call of Duty cinematic universe. Stefano Sollima was attached to direct the first movie in 2018, and he even mentioned considering Tom Hardy and Chris Pine for the lead roles.

Sollima told Metro UK that the film would focus on real soldiers rather than being a traditional war movie. A sequel was also planned, with Joe Robert Cole set to write it. Filming was expected to start in spring 2019 for a 2020 or 2021 release.

However, the project was eventually put on hold. In February 2020, Sollima revealed that the film was no longer a priority for Activision. Plans for the cinematic universe fizzled out over time, leaving the adaptation unfinished.

Now, Ellison appears ready to revive the idea. Paramount has had recent success with game-to-movie adaptations, including the Sonic the Hedgehog films, and the studio seems determined to expand in this challenging, but potentially profitable, market.

Belloni suggests that Ellison wants Paramount to become a bigger player in the game-to-movie business.

At this point, Paramount has not confirmed any details, and no directors, writers, or actors have been attached. Fans will have to wait for more information as negotiations continue.

Call of Duty is one of the most well-known first-person shooter games in the world, and adapting it for film has always been a difficult task.

With Ellison leading Paramount, the studio may try again to bring the franchise to the big screen, aiming for the kind of blockbuster appeal that video game movies can deliver.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!