Paramount and Activision have sealed a landmark agreement to adapt Call of Duty into a live-action film franchise, bringing one of the world’s most popular video game series to theaters. The deal was described by Paramount CEO David Ellison as a “dream come true,” marking one of the studio’s boldest moves since Skydance took control.
The companies confirmed that the movie will “deliver on the hallmarks of what fans love about the iconic series, while boldly expanding the franchise to entirely new audiences.”
A Global Gaming Powerhouse
Few franchises carry the weight of Call of Duty. Since its debut in 2003, the first-person shooter series has sold over 500 million copies worldwide. It has dominated the U.S. sales charts for 16 consecutive years, spanning multiple timelines from World War II to modern-day conflicts and futuristic battles.
For Paramount, Call of Duty represents one of the most prized untapped gaming IPs in Hollywood. Other studios have already reaped huge success from game adaptations, including Super Mario Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, Mortal Kombat, and the upcoming Legend of Zelda film.
Studio Commitments
Ellison promised to treat the adaptation with the same discipline that fueled Top Gun: Maverick’s success:
“We are resolute in our mission to deliver a cinematic experience that honors the legacy of this one-in-a-million brand – thrilling longtime fans of Call of Duty while captivating a whole new generation.”
Activision president Rob Kostich echoed the sentiment, stating that the goal is to create an “unforgettable blockbuster movie experience” faithful to the franchise’s action-packed legacy.
What Comes Next
Details on the film’s cast, director, and release timeline are still under wraps. However, given the scale of the deal and Paramount’s recent spree of high-profile acquisitions—including UFC rights and an exclusive multi-year deal with the Duffer Brothers—the Call of Duty movie is expected to be a tentpole release for the studio.
For gamers and moviegoers alike, this partnership could set the stage for a defining cinematic adaptation that brings the battlefield intensity of Call of Duty to theaters worldwide.
