In a groundbreaking maneuver hailed by Paramount CEO David Ellison as a "dream realized," the iconic video game franchise "Call of Duty" is poised to make its cinematic debut, thanks to a landmark partnership between the entertainment powerhouse and Activision. On Tuesday morning, the companies announced a monumental deal that empowers Paramount to develop, produce, and distribute a live-action film based on the game franchise, promising to "electrify its vast international fanbase by preserving the beloved hallmarks of the series while daringly venturing into uncharted territories to enchant fresh audiences."
The agreement marks a significant milestone, with "Call of Duty" standing tall among the most celebrated video game franchises globally. Over the years, it has sold an astonishing 500 million copies, crowning it the best-selling game franchise in the U.S. for a remarkable 16 consecutive years. This first-person shooter spans diverse historical eras, from World War II and Vietnam to contemporary settings and futuristic decades.
Video game intellectual property (IP) has emerged as a highly cherished commodity for film and television executives, with genuine homegrown franchises remaining elusive. Universal and Illumination's transformation of Nintendo's "Super Mario" games into a billion-dollar film franchise stands testament to this trend, while Nintendo collaborates with Sony to replicate this success with "The Legend of Zelda." Meanwhile, "Sonic the Hedgehog" has already proven to be a smash hit for Paramount, with adaptations of games like "Street Fighter," "Mortal Kombat," "Metal Gear Solid," and "Elden Ring" lined up for cinematic treatments in the coming years.
Among these prized IPs, "Call of Duty," with its decades-long legacy and international appeal, has been a particularly untapped gem. "As a lifelong enthusiast of 'Call of Duty,' this is a dream come to life," enthused Ellison in a statement. "From the initial Allied campaigns of the original 'Call of Duty' to 'Modern Warfare' and 'Black Ops,' I've spent countless hours immersed in this franchise that I hold dear. Being entrusted by Activision and gamers worldwide to bring this extraordinary narrative universe to the silver screen is both an honor and a responsibility we cherish deeply."
"We are embarking on this film venture with the same unwavering commitment to excellence that characterized our work on 'Top Gun: Maverick,' ensuring it meets the exceedingly high standards befitting this franchise and its fervent fans," he continued. "I pledge that we are steadfast in our mission to deliver a cinematic experience that respects the heritage of this exceptional brand—thrilling long-standing fans of 'Call of Duty' while mesmerizing a whole new generation."
Earlier this month, when quizzed by The Hollywood Reporter about his future visions for Paramount and whether video games would play a part, Ellison hinted that "gaming is undoubtedly an area we are keenly eyeing," with Skydance already making strides in this realm. The deal with Activision underscores the company's broader quest to bolster its IP portfolio.
Since Ellison and Skydance assumed the reins of Paramount last month, the studio has sealed several high-profile deals, including a $7.7 billion pact for UFC rights and an exclusive multi-year collaboration with the Duffer brothers, creators of Netflix's hit series "Stranger Things."
"Throughout its journey, 'Call of Duty' has sparked our imaginations with breathtaking action and intense narratives, uniting millions worldwide, and our unwavering focus remains on crafting incredible 'Call of Duty' games," added Activision President Rob Kostich. "With Paramount, we've found an exceptional partner to translate that immersive, heart-pounding action onto the big screen in a defining cinematic experience. The film will honor and build upon what has made this franchise legendary, and we eagerly anticipate the journey ahead. Our collective aspiration is straightforward—to craft an unforgettable blockbuster movie that delights our loyal community and captivates new fans alike."
