Paramount is gearing up for one of its most ambitious projects yet: a live-action adaptation of "Call of Duty", one of the most successful video game franchises of all time. The studio has struck a landmark deal with Activision, the Microsoft-owned publisher behind the blockbuster series, to develop, produce, and distribute a feature-length film inspired by the game's sprawling military universe.
The agreement, confirmed by both companies, signals Paramount's confidence in the enduring power of video game storytelling as it continues to expand its footprint in global entertainment. While the exact valuation of the deal has not been disclosed, industry insiders describe it as a "mega pact" with far-reaching potential.
Although the deal's primary focus is on producing one major "Call of Duty" film, sources tell Variety that Paramount's plans may extend far beyond a single release. The studio reportedly sees the partnership as an opportunity to build a wider cinematic and television universe, an expansion that could rival the scale of Marvel or DC's franchises if executed successfully.
At present, plot details remain tightly under wraps. The "Call of Duty" series is known for its first-person shooter gameplay and military-driven narratives, spanning historical conflicts, modern warfare, and futuristic battlegrounds. The franchise has featured iconic characters and storylines across sub-series like "Modern Warfare" and "Black Ops". With "Black Ops 7" set to launch later this year, speculation is already swirling about whether Paramount will adapt one of the established arcs or create an entirely new story for its film debut.
The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for Paramount, which just completed its $8 billion merger with David Ellison's Skydance. Since closing the deal, the newly restructured company, now officially operating as "Paramount, A Skydance Corporation", has been aggressively pursuing high-profile projects. In addition to luring "Stranger Things" creators the Duffer Brothers away from Netflix, Paramount recently secured a $7.7 billion deal to host Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events for the next seven years.
For Activision, the agreement marks a milestone in its evolution under Microsoft Gaming. Just two years ago, Microsoft completed its $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, securing control of "Call of Duty" along with other mega-franchises like "World of Warcraft", "Overwatch", and "Diablo". The decision to finally adapt "Call of Duty" for film represents a natural next step for the publisher, whose flagship series has already cemented its legacy in gaming history.
"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," Activision president Rob Kostich said in a statement. "The film will honor and expand upon what has made this franchise great in the first place, and we cannot wait to get started."
The franchise has sold more than 500 million copies globally and, as of 2022, generated over $30 billion in lifetime revenue. Despite its dominance in gaming, the series has never before been adapted into a feature film or television series-making this project one of the most anticipated video game-to-film crossovers ever attempted.
David Ellison, Paramount's chairman and CEO, emphasized his personal connection to the project, saying, "As a lifelong fan of Call of Duty, this is truly a dream come true. 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. 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."
Kostich echoed that sentiment, saying, "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."
Tags: call of duty, activision, paramount