The long-awaited film adaptation of Call of Duty is finally moving forward, with a confirmed cinema release date set for June 20, 2028.
The blockbuster project will be directed by Pete Berg, best known for action-driven films like Deepwater Horizon, while the script is being written by Taylor Sheridan, the creator of Yellowstone. The pairing signals a strong focus on gritty, grounded storytelling, particularly given both creators’ links to military-themed projects.
Speaking in a teaser unveiled at CinemaCon, Berg emphasised the direction they’re taking with the film, saying: “Taylor and I are both deeply connected to the special ops community.” He added that the movie will prioritise realism while also exploring the emotional side of its characters. “[We want to look at] the group of elite soldiers on a human level, but also bring amazing scale.”
The adaptation is based on one of the most successful gaming franchises ever created.
Since its debut in 2003, Call of Duty has grown into a global phenomenon, spanning more than 30 titles, amassing over one billion players, and generating an estimated $35 billion (€32bn) in lifetime revenue.
Despite its massive scale, details around the film’s plot and cast remain under wraps. However, the source material is rooted in first-person military combat, often centred on modern warfare and elite special forces operations — elements that are expected to carry over into the cinematic version.
The project is being backed by Paramount Pictures, which has seen growing success in adapting video game properties for the big screen.
In recent years, studios have tapped into gaming audiences with major hits, including The Super Mario Bros. Movie and A Minecraft Movie, signalling a broader industry shift towards established gaming IP.
The franchise itself is owned by Activision, now part of Microsoft, and has long been seen as a prime candidate for a large-scale film adaptation.
Previous reports have also suggested that the current deal could expand beyond a single movie, with potential plans for a wider film and television universe if the first instalment proves successful.
With a 2028 release date, the film is still several years away, but the fan's excitement is palpable.
Meanwhile, Grand Theft Auto VI has been delayed once more, with Take-Two Interactive confirming the highly anticipated title will now launch on November 19, 2026.
