A new film adaptation of the popular video game franchise Call of Duty is in the works, with acclaimed Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan set to co-write and direct alongside Peter Berg, who will also helm the project. This collaboration, announced by Paramount Pictures, marks a significant moment for video game adaptations, which have historically struggled to achieve success on the big screen.
Video game movies have often faced criticism, with notable failures such as the 1993 film Super Mario Bros., which holds a mere 28% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and the 1994 adaptation of Street Fighter, which fared even worse with an 11% score. Despite numerous attempts to bring franchises like Tomb Raider, Uncharted, and Assassin’s Creed to life, many of these projects have not resonated with audiences or critics.
However, recent years have seen a shift in the landscape of video game adaptations. Films such as Sonic the Hedgehog, which received an impressive 86% rating for its sequel, have shown that successful adaptations are possible. The rise of critically acclaimed series like HBO’s The Last of Us has further opened doors for video game narratives in mainstream media.
Sheridan is no stranger to compelling storytelling, having created the hit series Yellowstone, which has garnered a massive following. His previous collaborations with Berg on films like Hell or High Water and Wind River have proven successful, earning multiple award nominations and critical acclaim. Their partnership promises a deep understanding of the intense, character-driven narratives that could elevate a Call of Duty film.
The film’s potential parallels with Sheridan’s earlier work, particularly Sicario, are striking. The 2015 action thriller, which delves into the complexities of the war on drugs, shares thematic elements with the military-focused narratives typical of Call of Duty. The tension, action sequences, and moral dilemmas presented in Sicario could serve as a perfect template for the adaptation.
In Sicario, the story follows FBI agent Kate Macer, portrayed by Emily Blunt, who becomes embroiled in a covert CIA operation against a Mexican drug cartel. The film is characterized by high-stakes action and moral ambiguity, qualities that are often found in Call of Duty campaigns. Its sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, expands the narrative to include international terrorism, aligning with the global conflicts depicted in the video game series.
Sheridan’s extensive slate of projects includes two prequels to Yellowstone, 1883 and 1923, as well as the crime dramas Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, and Landman. His recent series, Lioness, which stars Zoe Saldaña as a CIA agent training women for special operations, embodies the action-packed essence fans expect from a Call of Duty film.
While specific plot details for the film remain undisclosed, speculation suggests it may take place within the Modern Warfare timeline, a popular setting in the game series. Enthusiasts of military narratives and action films alike are keenly anticipating how Sheridan’s vision will shape this adaptation.
The collaboration between Sheridan and Berg has already generated excitement among fans, suggesting that this project could break the trend of disappointing video game adaptations. As the film progresses, it will be interesting to see how this dynamic duo crafts a narrative that resonates with both gamers and moviegoers, potentially setting a new standard in the genre.
