A “dream come true” for Paramount’s new era
Paramount is officially betting big on one of the world’s most successful video game properties. The studio has struck a deal with Activision to bring Call of Duty to the big screen, marking the first live-action film inspired by the long-running shooter series.
The announcement, made Tuesday morning, comes just weeks after David Ellison and Skydance assumed control of Paramount. Ellison, now CEO, described the project as a “dream come true,” citing his personal connection to the franchise:
“From the Allied campaigns of the original Call of Duty to Modern Warfare and Black Ops, I’ve spent countless hours immersed in this universe. Bringing it to theaters is both an honor and a responsibility,” Ellison said.
He added that the team is approaching the project with the same uncompromising standards applied to Top Gun: Maverick, one of Paramount’s recent critical and commercial triumphs.
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Why Call of Duty is such a coveted property
Since its debut in 2003, Call of Duty has become a cultural powerhouse. Across two decades, the franchise has sold more than 500 million copies worldwide and has consistently ranked as the top-selling video game series in the United States for 16 consecutive years.
The games cover a wide range of eras — from World War II and Vietnam to near-future conflicts — blending cinematic storytelling with fast-paced multiplayer action. This versatility makes it a rich source for a film adaptation, giving filmmakers multiple eras and tones to explore.
Video game adaptations are increasingly seen as valuable IP in Hollywood. Universal and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie became a billion-dollar hit, Nintendo is developing The Legend of Zelda with Sony, and Paramount already found success with Sonic the Hedgehog. Projects based on Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and Metal Gear Solid are also in development.
Still, few properties carry the same global recognition and proven fan base as Call of Duty, making the partnership between Paramount and Activision one of the most high-profile deals in recent memory.
Activision’s vision for the big screen
Activision president Rob Kostich emphasized that the film will aim to capture the same adrenaline and emotion that have defined the games for over 20 years.
“Throughout its history, Call of Duty has delivered incredible action and stories that unite millions of players worldwide,” Kostich said. “With Paramount, we have the perfect partner to translate that visceral experience into cinema. Our goal is simple: create an unforgettable blockbuster that longtime fans will love and new audiences will embrace.”
The move also underscores Activision’s strategy to extend its franchises beyond gaming, a path that competitors like Nintendo and Sega have already taken with significant success.
Paramount’s aggressive content strategy
The Call of Duty announcement comes as Paramount aggressively expands its entertainment slate under Ellison’s leadership. In just one month, the company secured UFC broadcast rights in a $7.7 billion deal and signed an exclusive multi-year agreement with the Duffer brothers, the creators of Netflix’s Stranger Things.
Ellison has been vocal about gaming’s role in Hollywood’s future. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter earlier this year, he noted that “gaming is absolutely going to be an area that we look towards,” citing Skydance’s previous investments in the space.
The Activision partnership signals that Paramount intends to compete head-to-head with rivals like Universal, Sony, and Warner Bros. in adapting gaming’s biggest franchises for theaters.
What’s next for Call of Duty on film?
While no director, writer, or cast has yet been announced, the expectations are sky-high. The creative team will face the challenge of distilling Call of Duty’s sprawling timelines, characters, and conflicts into a coherent cinematic story that appeals to both die-hard players and casual moviegoers.
The potential reward is enormous. With its global name recognition, decades of storytelling, and millions of loyal fans, Call of Duty could become the next blockbuster film franchise — one that rivals Hollywood’s biggest action sagas.
For Ellison, Kostich, and Paramount, the mission is clear: honor the legacy of a beloved game while creating a theatrical experience powerful enough to thrill audiences far beyond the console.
