Hollywood is gearing up for a major cinematic event. Acclaimed filmmakers Taylor Sheridan and Peter Berg are officially partnering with Paramount and Activision to bring the colossal Call of Duty video game franchise to the big screen. This ambitious live-action film project aims to captivate its immense global fanbase while simultaneously drawing in entirely new audiences. With two master storytellers at the helm, the Call of Duty movie adaptation is poised to deliver a unique blend of high-stakes military action and compelling narrative depth.
A Strategic Alliance: Crafting the Call of Duty Universe
Paramount, securing the coveted rights to adapt one of the world’s most successful video game series, has made a decisive move by enlisting Taylor Sheridan and Peter Berg. This formidable duo will co-write the screenplay for the Call of Duty movie, with Berg also stepping into the director’s chair. Both will serve as producers, a strategic decision designed to ensure a unified creative vision for the highly anticipated film. Paramount will manage global distribution, signaling the studio’s significant investment in this blockbuster potential.
The collaboration represents more than just a pairing of talent; it’s a reunion of close friends and successful creative partners. Their shared history of critically acclaimed projects underpins the confidence placed in their ability to translate the essence of Call of Duty into a powerful cinematic experience.
A History of Acclaim: Hell or High Water & Wind River
Taylor Sheridan and Peter Berg have a proven track record of delivering compelling, character-driven narratives. Their previous collaborations include the 2016 neo-Western thriller Hell or High Water, which garnered four Academy Award nominations, notably for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay for Sheridan. This film showcased their ability to weave intricate plots with intense emotional stakes.
They also partnered on Wind River, a “chilly heartland epic” that further solidified their reputation for gritty realism and powerful storytelling. These past successes highlight their complementary skills in developing nuanced characters and constructing tension-filled scenarios. Their ability to explore complex themes within a suspenseful framework is a significant asset for the Call of Duty movie. This foundation suggests the film will offer more than just spectacle; it will deliver a story with genuine emotional resonance.
Masters of Modern Warfare: Lone Survivor & Lioness
The choice of Berg and Sheridan is particularly fitting given their extensive experience in the military and action genres. Peter Berg has a demonstrated prowess in portraying the intensity and human element of modern warfare. His 2013 war drama Lone Survivor is a prime example. The film’s visceral action and focus on military campaigns align perfectly with the core tenets of the Call of Duty games.
Taylor Sheridan, a prolific creator, has also explored similar themes in his television work. His Paramount+ series Lioness centers on a CIA team conducting undercover operations, delving into espionage and complex geopolitical thrillers. Projects like Sicario (which Sheridan wrote) further establish his talent for crafting intense, “bullet-spraying, bone-crunching firefights” within grounded, realistic settings. Both filmmakers have consistently shown how to “deliver the goods” in the genre, making them exceptionally well-suited to bring Call of Duty‘s immersive combat to life.
Adapting a Global Phenomenon: The Call of Duty Challenge
Call of Duty stands as one of the most successful video game franchises in history. Since its debut in 2003, it has sold over 500 million copies worldwide. For an astonishing 16 consecutive years, it has been the number one bestselling video game series in the U.S. This unparalleled success creates both immense opportunity and significant pressure for a film adaptation.
The challenge lies in respecting the franchise’s legacy while forging a new path. The latest installment, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, is set for release on November 14th, maintaining the franchise’s ongoing relevance and popularity.
Beyond the Game: Crafting a Cinematic Universe
The film’s primary objective is twofold: thrill the massive global fanbase by delivering the hallmarks players love—first-person shooter action and military campaigns—while also expanding the franchise’s appeal to entirely new audiences. This requires a delicate balance. It means capturing the kinetic energy and tactical precision of the games. However, it also means crafting a narrative that stands on its own.
Sheridan and Berg are known as “prolific writers and world builders.” Their background suggests they will either adapt an existing compelling storyline or create an entirely new, engaging narrative within the Call of Duty universe. The ambition is to create a film that is both a faithful homage and an innovative expansion. This cinematic endeavor will undoubtedly aim to launch a potential franchise, much like its video game counterpart.
The Legacy of Call of Duty: Unprecedented Success
The sheer scale of Call of Duty‘s success is staggering. Reaching hundreds of millions of players worldwide, the franchise has ingrained itself into popular culture. Its consistent dominance in the gaming market, even amidst competition like the record-breaking launch of Battlefield 6, highlights its enduring power. This widespread recognition provides an enormous pre-existing audience for the film.
However, it also sets a high bar. Fans have specific expectations for authenticity, action, and compelling storytelling. Sheridan and Berg’s experience in grounded military narratives should provide a solid foundation for meeting these demands. Their ability to develop complex characters will also be crucial in elevating the film beyond mere action spectacle.
Filmmakers’ Other Ventures: A Glimpse into Busy Schedules
Despite their commitment to the Call of Duty film, both Taylor Sheridan and Peter Berg maintain incredibly busy schedules. Their extensive portfolios further underscore their creative drive and industry influence.
Taylor Sheridan’s Expanding Empire
Taylor Sheridan is a dominant force in contemporary television. He is the mastermind behind a slate of highly successful Paramount-based TV series. These include the flagship hit Yellowstone and its expansive spin-offs, 1883 and 1923. His creative empire also encompasses Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, Lioness, and Landman, with the second season of Landman premiering soon.
Earlier the same week, Sheridan made news with a substantial new deal. He signed an eight-year film pact with NBCUniversal, starting in March 2026, alongside a five-year television pact beginning in 2028. This move signifies a broader strategic shift. However, his involvement in the Call of Duty movie solidifies his continued strong creative relationship with Paramount. He is also developing other film projects, including F.A.S.T., an original thriller starring Brandon Sklenar, set for an April 2027 release with Warner Bros.
Peter Berg’s Diverse Directorial Portfolio
Peter Berg’s recent work showcases his versatility across various platforms. He recently wrapped production on The Mosquito Bowl, an epic World War II drama for Netflix. This film is based on Buzz Bissinger’s bestselling book. His series credits include Painkiller and American Primeval. He also serves as an executive producer for a Friday Night Lights reboot, revisiting one of his acclaimed television projects. Through Film 47, Berg continues to helm major commercial campaigns, further demonstrating his wide-ranging directorial capabilities. His extensive experience across film and television, coupled with his proven ability to handle large-scale productions, makes him an ideal director for the ambitious Call of Duty project.
Why This Collaboration Matters: A Statement of Intent
Securing filmmakers of Taylor Sheridan and Peter Berg’s caliber sends a clear message. It signifies a “major statement of intent” from both Paramount and Activision. They are not merely adapting a video game; they are investing in a high-quality, high-stakes cinematic experience. This collaboration elevates the project’s profile significantly.
Paramount had reportedly eyed this duo for months. Sheridan ultimately decided to commit to both writing and producing the film. This indicates a deep personal investment in the project’s success. With their combined expertise, the Call of Duty movie has the potential to break the often-troubled streak of video game adaptations. It could truly deliver a blockbuster that lives up to the hype and the franchise’s monumental legacy. Their storytelling prowess offers a promise of a film that is both authentic to the game and compelling as a standalone piece of cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the Call of Duty movie adaptation?
The live-action Call of Duty movie is being developed, written, and produced by the acclaimed filmmaking duo Taylor Sheridan and Peter Berg. Peter Berg will also direct the film. Paramount will handle the distribution, collaborating with Activision, the publisher of the immensely popular video game franchise. This partnership brings together experienced storytellers and a major studio for a high-profile adaptation.
What makes Taylor Sheridan and Peter Berg ideal for a military action film?
Both Taylor Sheridan and Peter Berg possess extensive experience in the military and action genres. Peter Berg is renowned for his realistic portrayal of warfare in films like Lone Survivor. Taylor Sheridan has explored themes of espionage and intense operations in his series Lioness and written gritty action thrillers like Sicario. Their combined expertise in crafting grounded, intense narratives with complex characters makes them exceptionally well-suited to bring Call of Duty‘s military campaigns to cinematic life.
How will the Call of Duty movie balance fan expectations with broader appeal?
The Call of Duty movie aims to thrill its massive global fanbase by incorporating core elements players love, such as first-person shooter perspectives and intense military action. Simultaneously, the project seeks to expand the franchise’s appeal to new audiences. Taylor Sheridan and Peter Berg, known as “world builders,” will likely craft a compelling narrative that stands on its own, ensuring it’s accessible and engaging for those unfamiliar with the games while still honoring the franchise’s established reputation.
The Future of Call of Duty on the Big Screen
The announcement of Taylor Sheridan and Peter Berg leading the Call of Duty movie project marks a pivotal moment for video game adaptations. With their proven ability to craft compelling, high-stakes narratives and their deep understanding of the military genre, the stage is set for a truly epic cinematic experience. Paramount and Activision are clearly making a bold statement, aiming for a film that will not only satisfy millions of loyal Call of Duty fans but also redefine expectations for what a video game movie can achieve. This collaboration promises a film that is more than just an adaptation; it’s an ambitious endeavor to expand a cultural phenomenon into a new era of storytelling.
