Call of Duty is officially heading to Hollywood. Paramount Pictures and Activision announced a landmark deal to develop a live-action feature film based on the blockbuster video game franchise.
After 22 years and over 500 million copies sold, the iconic first-person shooter is finally getting its chance on the big screen.
The move comes at a time when video game adaptations are dominating box offices worldwide, and both companies say they want to deliver a cinematic event that stays true to the game’s explosive military action while reaching new audiences.
Why Paramount is betting big on Call of Duty
Paramount’s decision to back Call of Duty reflects Hollywood’s growing appetite for video game adaptations. Following the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Amazon’s Fallout series, studios are chasing franchises with global name recognition. Call of Duty, launched in 2003, has generated more than $30 billion in revenue and built one of the most loyal fan bases in gaming.
David Ellison, CEO of Paramount, called the project a “dream come true,” noting his own countless hours playing the series from World War II campaigns to Modern Warfare and Black Ops.
He compared the studio’s approach to its work on Top Gun: Maverick, promising a disciplined, high-quality production that respects the franchise’s legacy.
What we know about the Call of Duty movie
For now, details remain thin. The film has no release date, director, or cast attached, and Paramount has yet to reveal whether the story will draw from Modern Warfare, Black Ops, or a brand-new narrative.
What is confirmed is that the movie will be a live-action blockbuster, with Paramount handling production and distribution while Activision collaborates on creative direction.
President of Activision, Rob Kostich, emphasised that the movie will capture the “visceral, breathtaking action” that has defined the series. He added that the goal is to create an “unforgettable cinematic experience” that resonates with long-time players while also attracting newcomers.
The bigger picture for gaming in Hollywood
The Call of Duty announcement comes when the line between games and films blurs. Now operating as Paramount Skydance after its $8 billion merger, Paramount has been doubling down on blockbuster IPs to strengthen its slate.
Meanwhile, Activision, acquired by Microsoft in 2023, sees the project as a chance to extend one of its crown jewels into new territory.
Still, Hollywood is full of game adaptations that never made it past the announcement stage. While this partnership is Call of Duty’s most promising step yet, fans must wait to see if it makes it to theatres. If successful, the film could pave the way for sequels or even a broader Call of Duty cinematic universe.
For now, speculation runs wild. Will the movie revisit World War II roots, or lean into the modern covert operations of Captain Price and Ghost? Whatever direction Paramount takes, one thing is clear: Call of Duty is finally joining the ranks of video games turned blockbusters.