5 Minutes
A powerhouse team for a massive franchise
Paramount Pictures has tapped two heavyweight storytellers to develop and produce a live-action Call of Duty feature: Taylor Sheridan, the creator behind Yellowstone and other high-profile dramas, and director-producer Peter Berg, known for visceral war and action films. The project — in partnership with Activision — signals Hollywood's continuing appetite for big-budget video game adaptations and a desire to treat Call of Duty as a cinematic event rather than a simple licensed tie-in.
What to expect from the adaptation
Sheridan and Berg will co-write the screenplay, with Berg set to direct and both serving as producers. Early coverage indicates the film will lean into the franchise's most beloved elements: intense military campaigns, immersive first-person combat, and the globe-trotting stakes familiar to millions of players. But insiders also suggest the filmmakers aim to broaden the appeal, building character-driven arcs and a coherent cinematic narrative so the movie resonates with non-gamers as well as longtime fans.
There’s a clear precedent: Berg’s Lone Survivor and Sheridan’s work on series like Lioness show they can compose compelling military drama that balances realism with emotional heft. Expect the Call of Duty film to emphasize tactical authenticity, strong supporting characters, and cinematic set pieces rather than trying to replicate video-game mechanics shot-for-shot.
How this compares to previous adaptations
Video game adaptations have had a mixed history — from the blockbuster-friendly Tomb Raider and Sonic to more uneven efforts. Television recently found success with The Last of Us by prioritizing character and mood over literal gameplay translation. Sheridan and Berg’s collaboration suggests a similar strategy: treat Call of Duty as a narrative universe, not a parade of missions. Fans of Hell or High Water and Wind River can look for the same grounded tension and human stakes, even amid large-scale action.
Industry context and franchise weight
Call of Duty is one of the most lucrative video game franchises ever: over 500 million copies sold worldwide and 16 consecutive years as the top-selling game in the U.S. Translating that commercial legacy to the box office carries both opportunity and pressure. Paramount will distribute the film, giving it studio backing and global reach — crucial for a property with an international player base.
There are logistical challenges: adapting an FPS that thrives on player agency into a passive medium requires choices about tone, perspective, and pacing. Sheridan’s TV pedigree — Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, 1883 — and Berg’s affinity for frontline realism mean the project could land in the rare sweet spot where blockbuster spectacle meets serious storytelling.
"This pairing is smart on paper and potentially transformative for game-to-film adaptations," says film critic Anna Kovacs. "Sheridan understands serialized, character-first drama, while Berg brings experience staging intense combat. Together they can make a Call of Duty film that respects players and intrigues general audiences."
Fan reaction and what’s next
Reaction among Call of Duty communities has been a mixture of excitement and cautious optimism — eager for a faithful adaptation but watchful for how the film will handle iconic moments from the games. Production timelines are not yet public; Sheridan remains busy with several high-profile deals (including a recent deal with NBCUniversal and the thriller F.A.S.T. for Warner Bros.), while Berg has continued to direct and produce high-profile dramas.
This project is shaping up to be more than a novelty: it could mark a turning point for how mainstream cinema approaches video game material by blending blockbuster action with grounded storytelling.
In short, keep an eye on casting announcements and production updates — if Berg and Sheridan deliver, Call of Duty could become a template for ambitious, franchise-driven cinema rather than a forgotten movie tie-in.
Comments
skyspin
Honestly? Is this even real or studio wishful thinking… Berg + Sheridan could be great but turning an FPS into a movie that matters? I'm skeptical, but curious. casting will tell.
mechbyte
Wow ok didnt see Sheridan + Berg teaming up! If they actually nail character depth with those action set pieces, this could be wild. Hope they dont just pander to fan service..
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