Steven Spielberg is no stranger to adaptations, as he has directed several films based on best-selling novels. However, he missed the opportunity to direct a popular video game series: Call of Duty.
Activision holds the rights to the popular video game series, which has been confirmed to become a feature film recently. Following the announcement that Paramount Pictures will adapt the upcoming live-action film, a new report from Puck's Matthew Belloni reports that Spielberg was also interested in making a Call of Duty film. However, his requirements led Activision to go with a different offer.
The report claims Paramount, Universal Pictures, and Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment were all interested in the adaptation and each pitched their vision for the project. Activision eventually went with Paramount.
The same rumors claim Activision allegedly rejected Spielberg's pitch to direct the upcoming live-action movie because of the lack of creative control. The Oscar-winning director reportedly asked for the final cut and full control of production and marketing. This was a deal breaker for the Microsoft-owned company, and it accepted Paramount Pictures' offer instead, which promised more control over the adaptation's creative process.
Paramount CEO David Ellison confirmed earlier this week that they reached a deal with game publisher Activision and that the stalled live-action update is finally back on track after 10 years of development hell. When announcing the project, Ellison cited Top Gun: Maverick's massive success when greenlighting the project, which is described to share the same spirit as the Tom Cruise-led blockbuster.
Spielberg hasn't adapted any video games to the big screen yet, but he had a lot of success with his shooter video game series, Medal of Honor
So far, Paramount's Call of Duty live-action adaptation doesn't have a cast or director attached to the project. Considering the adaptation spent years in development, Tom Hardy and Chris Pine were attached to star at some point, although they are not currently attached to the upcoming version.
What Is Steven Spielberg Directing Next?
Steven Spielberg Directing War of the Worlds (2005)
While the iconic filmmaker hasn't gotten a chance to direct his favorite video game, he is busy with his top-secret film. His upcoming directorial effort is being kept under wraps, with no official title. He will work alongside frequent collaborator David Koepp, who is penning the script.
The sci-fi film has been previously described as a "UFO film" based on an original story, but the "UFO" theme hasn't been confirmed. However, Koepp hyped up the project earlier this summer and revealed filming had wrapped. It will feature a star-studded ensemble cast including Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Colman Domingo, and Wyatt Russell. The untitled film is set to premiere on June 12, 2026.
Among his dream projects is also a Western, which he has never directed before. In the meantime, Jaws has celebrated a new box office feat, grossing a little over $10 million in its re-release weekend.
