Over 20 years after its video game debut, Call of Duty is finally making its way on the big screen.
Paramount has signed a multi-million-dollar film deal with Activision, the Microsoft-owned publisher of the franchise, to develop, produce, and distribute a live-action feature.
So, what does this deal encompass—and is it true that legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg once wanted to direct a Call of Duty movie but was turned down by Activision and Microsoft? Read on to find out.
Will There Be a Call of Duty Movie?
Earlier this month, news broke that Paramount has secured the rights to bring the iconic military shooter franchise Call of Duty to Hollywood with a live-action movie.
Although the valuation of the deal has not been disclosed, Variety reported that the pact focuses on creating a blockbuster film, with the potential for the studio to expand the video game’s universe into both films and TV series.
Since its debut, the franchise has released 30 mainline titles, leaving fans to wonder what the movie’s storyline will focus on.
But as the first-person military shooter gameplay has interconnected storylines and characters, there are several source materials to adapt. In fact, it even has Treyarch’s Black Ops sub-series, which continues this fall with the release of Black Ops 7.
Whatever direction the adaptation takes, Paramount’s chairman and CEO, David Ellison, assured fans that it will be handled with passion.
“As a lifelong fan of Call of Duty, this is truly a dream come true,” he said in a statement. “Being entrusted by Activision and players worldwide to bring this extraordinary storytelling universe to the big screen is both an honor and a responsibility that we don’t take lightly.”
Activision president Rob Kostich also expressed confidence in Paramount’s ability to meet the franchise’s high standards and deliver a cinematic experience for both long-time fans and newcomers.
“With Paramount, we have found a fantastic partner who we will work with to take that visceral, breathtaking action to the big screen in a defining cinematic moment,” he said. “The film will honor and expand upon what has made this franchise great in the first place, and we cannot wait to get started.”
Did Steven Spielberg Want to Make a Call of Duty Movie?
Yes, iconic director Steven Spielberg reportedly wanted to make a Call of Duty movie, but Activision and Microsoft turned him down.
So why didn’t it push through? According to Puck News, the three-time Oscar winner—best known for one of the greatest war films of all time, Saving Private Ryan—wanted full creative control, something the publisher wasn’t willing to grant.
“Per three sources, Steven Spielberg really wanted to direct the CoD movie. But with Spielberg comes the famous ‘Spielberg Deal,’” a film industry insider revealed.
“This includes top-of-market economics, final cut, and full control over production and marketing. That spooked the team at Activision, now owned by Microsoft, which instead went with David Ellison’s pitch that offered much more control over the process.”
By the looks of it, Activision and Microsoft wanted to retain tighter oversight of the project, leading them to strike a deal with Paramount instead. Notably, Paramount also released the slick, feel-good military thriller Top Gun: Maverick in 2022.
The rejection is particularly surprising, given that the original Call of Duty was created as a direct response to the Medal of Honor series—games for which Spielberg himself served as producer.
That said, fans are hopeful Paramount will deliver a box-office hit worthy of the franchise.
As of now, no release date, production timeline, or casting details have been announced for the live-action film.
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