Paramount and Activision are bringing Call of Duty, one of the world’s most successful video game franchises, to the big screen as the two companies announced a deal Tuesday to develop, produce, and distribute a live-action feature film based on the IP.
The project marks another bold move for Paramount since its merger with Skydance in early August. Days after the merger, the studio signed Matt and Ross Duffer, the creators of Netflix’s Stranger Things, to a four-year agreement covering film, television, and streaming. In addition to securing the U.S. rights to UFC, Paramount also secured the U.S. rights to UFC in a $7.7 billion, seven-year deal beginning in 2026.
“As a lifelong fan of Call of Duty, this is truly a dream come true,” said David Ellison, Paramount chairman and CEO. “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.”
Ellison emphasized that the adaptation will stay true to the game’s “rich narrative and distinctive style,” promising fans a film that respects the brand’s legacy while introducing it to new audiences.
In an open letter following the merger, Ellison pledged that Paramount would focus on “high-quality storytelling and technology” as it looks to define “the next era of entertainment.” The Call of Duty partnership underscores that ambition, signaling Paramount’s push to blend blockbuster franchises with cinematic craftsmanship.
The Call of Duty franchise has sold more than 500 million copies worldwide, dominating the U.S. market for 16 consecutive years. Known for its immersive storytelling and cinematic gameplay, Call of Duty will now make the leap from console to cinema under Paramount’s leadership.
