Paramount and Activision have signed a film deal to bring Call of Duty to movie theaters, days after reports emerged that the two companies were in talks for movie rights to the popular first-person shooter. As part of the deal, Paramount will develop, produce and distribute a live-action feature film based on Call of Duty, promising an “unforgettable cinematic event” for fans of the video game series and new audiences.
The announcement of the partnership comes weeks after Paramount Worldwide confirmed on Tuesday that it would merge with Skydance to form an independent media and entertainment company. This latest move comes as Hollywood is pushing for more live-action video game adaptations following the success of projects like HBO’s “The Last of Us” and Warner Bros.’ “The Last of Us.” A Minecraft movie, and Paramount’s own Sonic the Hedgehog series.
Statements from Paramount and Activision mentioned a live-action Call of Duty feature film, but Variety reported, citing sources, that the deal includes potential expansion of the Call of Duty universe into film and television. The companies did not disclose the valuation of the deal, nor did they discuss details about the planned CoD movie. No talent has been attached to the project yet, but more details should emerge in the future.
Paramount and Activision promise a ‘blockbuster’ CoD movie adaptation
Image source: Activision
“Unforgettable blockbuster”
However, both Paramount and Activision are promising a “blockbuster” film adaptation that will “honor the legacy of the Call of Duty video game.”
“As a lifelong Call of Duty fan, this is truly a dream come true,” said Paramount CEO David Ellison. “From the first Allied campaign in the original Call of Duty, to Modern Warfare and Black Ops, I’ve spent countless hours playing this series that I absolutely love.” Being entrusted by Activision and gamers around the world to bring this extraordinary universe of stories to the big screen is both an honor and a responsibility we don’t take lightly. ” he added.
“We are approaching this film with the same rigorous, uncompromising commitment to excellence that we brought to Top Gun: Maverick, ensuring it meets the extremely high standards the series and its fans deserve. I can guarantee that we are steadfast in our mission to deliver a cinematic experience that respects the legacy of this one-in-a-million brand – exciting long-time Call of Duty fans while engaging a whole new generation.”
Activision president Rob Kostic said the “Call of Duty” movie will bring the series’ “visceral” action to the big screen while also expanding on it in-game.
“Throughout its history, Call of Duty has captured our imaginations with incredible action and intense stories that have brought millions of people together from around the world, and our focus on making incredible Call of Duty games remains unwavering,” Kostic said in a statement.
“With Paramount, we have found a fantastic partner with whom we will work to bring this visceral, awe-inspiring action to the big screen in a defining cinematic moment. This film will honor and expand on what made the franchise original and great, and we can’t wait to get started.”
“Our shared goal is simple – to create an unforgettable blockbuster movie experience that our community loves, while also inspiring and inspiring new fans of the series.”
HBO’s The Last of Us TV Series Is a Huge Success
Photo credit: Warner Bros.
Video game adaptations are huge hits
With Hollywood focused on Call of Duty, one of the best-selling game franchises of all time, it seems like the logical next step for an adaptation of the hit video game. The Call of Duty games are a media juggernaut, with 22 mainline games selling more than 500 million copies worldwide. The series also offers several big-screen adaptation options, including the popular Modern Warfare series and the darker Black Ops games. The next game in the series, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, will be released in November.
The recent success of movies based on video games has also sparked a frenzy to find the next big franchise. Several projects from major game studios have been announced and are currently in production at major Hollywood studios like Warner Bros. and even smaller boutique production houses like A24.
Sony is said to be working on multiple live-action projects for its exclusive games such as Ghost of Tsushima and God of War. The TV series version of The Last of Us, produced in partnership with HBO and starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, was a huge success. Following the success of the Fallout TV series on Amazon Prime Video, Microsoft also confirmed that it will greenlight more movies and TV series adapted from Xbox games
Paramount has enjoyed success with the three Sonic the Hedgehog movies, which have grossed more than $1 billion at the global box office. Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures, on the other hand, scored a big hit with Minecraft, becoming the third-highest-grossing movie of 2025.
