Paramount has agreed a deal with Activision to turn the blockbuster Call of Duty game franchise into a big-budget movie.
Since launching in 2003, Call of Duty has transformed into one of the most successful game titles on the planet.
The many, many CoD sequels and spinoffs have sold more 500 million games worldwide, and those titles boast over 100 million active players across all platforms.
As first-person shooters that lean heavily into war, they’re an obvious fit for a film adaptation, but Hollywood has failed to crack the code… until now.
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Call of Duty movie to “expand upon what made the franchise great”
Activision
According to Variety, Paramount will “develop, produce, and distribute a live-action feature film,” while the deal also “encompasses the potential for Paramount to expand the CoD universe across film and TV.” Meaning the studio’s plans should play into Hollywood’s current buzz-word: ‘shared universe.’
There are no details about what game or subject the proposed movie will focus on, but those involved have been talking up the deal.
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“As a lifelong fan of Call of Duty this is truly a dream come true,” Paramount CEO and chairman David Ellison said in a statement. “From the first Allied campaigns in the original Call of Duty, through Modern Warfare and Black Ops, I’ve spent countless hours playing this franchise that I absolutely love.
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“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
Activision president Rob Kostich added: “Throughout its history, Call of Duty has captured our imagination with incredible action and intense stories that have brought millions of people together from around the world, and that focus on making incredible Call of Duty games remains unwavering.
“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. The film will honor and expand upon what has made this franchise great in the first place, and we cannot wait to get started.”
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We’ll post more on this one as-and-when it breaks, while until then, you can check out our list of the best video game movies ever.
