The live-action Gundam movie is one step closer to reality. Legendary has been working with Bandai Namco on the adaptation of the beloved anime franchise for years now. Now though, things are coming together. Not only is the movie full-steam ahead with a cast and director, but it has a distributor as well.
According to Deadline, Netflix is prepping a deal to release the Gundam movie. Sydney Sweeney (Madame Web) is on board to star alongside Noah Centineo (Black Adam). Plot details remain firmly under wraps but it will be a live-action take on the franchise that started with Mobile Suit Gundam back in 1979. Jim Mickle (Sweet Tooth) is directing.
This is actually the second time that Netflix got involved with the project. Back in 2021, Netflix was developing the movie with Legendary. Jordan Vogt-Roberts (Kong: Skull Island) was set to direct at that point. That iteration fell apart. Now though, Netflix has circled back. Netflix is also in the middle of a massive deal to acquire Warner Bros. The streamer isn’t cutting down on other potential franchise plays in the meantime, it seems.
Here is the synopsis for Mobile Suit Gundam.
“Universal Century 0079. The rebel space colonies of the Principality of Zeon launch a war of independence against the Earth Federation, using humanoid fighting vehicles called mobile suits to overwhelm the Federation Forces and conquer half of Earth’s surface. Months later, the Federation has finally developed its own prototype mobile suits at a remote space colony. But when the colony suffers a Zeon surprise attack, these new weapons fall into the hands of a motley crew of civilians and cadets. Fate places a youth named Amuro Ray at the controls of the white mobile suit Gundam…”
Gundam not only counts tons of episodes of television across its various series, but it also includes video games and billions worth of merchandise sales annually. It’s remained wildly popular in its native Japan and throughout the world for years. It’s surprising that it’s taken so long for a live-action movie to materialize.
Netflix also recently broadened its deal with Sony Pictures. All of Sony’s movies will live on Netflix after they leave theaters and finish their runs on home video. This all serves to strengthen the company’s position as the largest streaming service in the world. But Netflix has had a very tough time launching original franchises. Gundam represents an opportunity to get in on a franchise that has been thriving for decades.
The Gundam movie doesn’t currently have a release date but stay tuned.
What do you think? Are you excited for the movie? Would you prefer to see it in a theater? Or are you happy it’s going straight to streaming? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
