Paramount Pictures and Activision are joining forces to bring one of gaming’s most successful franchises to theaters. A new agreement between the two companies will see a live action Call of Duty movie produced and distributed by Paramount, marking the series’ first major leap into cinema.
The announcement was confirmed on Tuesday morning, with both companies describing the project as one designed to capture what fans love about the games while also appealing to a broader filmgoing audience. Paramount CEO David Ellison shared his personal enthusiasm for the project, calling it a lifelong dream realized.
“As a lifelong fan of Call of Duty this is truly a dream come true,” Ellison said. “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.”
Ellison went on to emphasize that the studio intends to bring the same discipline and standards that guided Top Gun: Maverick to the Call of Duty adaptation. “I can promise that we are resolute in our mission to deliver a cinematic experience that honors the legacy of this one in a million brand – thrilling longtime fans of Call of Duty while captivating a whole new generation.”
Since its debut in 2003, Call of Duty has become a defining franchise in gaming history. Initially rooted in World War II battlefields, the series expanded into modern and futuristic settings with Modern Warfare, Black Ops, and other spin offs. Across two decades, multiple studios including Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games have contributed to its evolution.
As of October 2023, the series had sold over 500 million copies, attracted more than 100 million monthly active players, and generated over $30 billion in revenue. It stands as the best selling first person shooter franchise ever and ranks among the most successful video game properties worldwide. The most recent release, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, launched in October 2024, while Black Ops 7 is planned for November 2025.
Though a Call of Duty film has been rumored in the past, this marks the first official deal to bring it to life. For Paramount, the project represents a chance to adapt a powerhouse entertainment brand with a global following, while for Activision it is another step in broadening the franchise beyond games.
