The long-anticipated film adaptation of the popular video game franchise Call of Duty has gained momentum with the announcement that Taylor Sheridan, the visionary behind the acclaimed series Yellowstone, will co-write the script and collaborate with director Peter Berg. Paramount Pictures acquired the rights to the franchise, marking a significant step in the evolution of video game adaptations in cinema.
Historically, film adaptations of video games have faced substantial challenges, often failing to resonate with audiences. The trend can be traced back to the 1993 film Super Mario Bros., which holds a mere 28% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is frequently cited as one of the worst adaptations. Following that, Street Fighter released in 1994, fared even worse with an 11% critic score.
Breaking the Curse of Video Game Adaptations
Despite the rocky history, recent years have shown signs of improvement for video game films. Some attribute this renaissance to animated features like Wreck-It Ralph, which, while not a direct adaptation, celebrated video game culture. Others point to the success of HBO’s The Last of Us, a television series based on the acclaimed game, which has garnered critical acclaim.
Among the better-received adaptations, Sonic the Hedgehog stands out, with its 2020 release and subsequent sequels achieving impressive ratings, including an 86% score for Sonic the Hedgehog 3. This shift has made studios more receptive to the idea of adapting popular franchises, with Call of Duty emerging as a prime candidate due to its status as one of the best-selling video game franchises worldwide.
Sheridan’s Proven Track Record
Prior to his involvement with Call of Duty, Sheridan has built a strong reputation in the entertainment industry. His collaborations with Berg on films like Hell or High Water and Wind River have received critical acclaim, earning multiple Oscar nominations. Furthermore, the gritty tone and intense action sequences of Sheridan’s work, particularly in the 2015 film Sicario, align closely with the themes found in Call of Duty gameplay.
Sicario tells the story of an FBI agent, Kate Macer, who becomes embroiled in a high-stakes CIA operation against a Mexican drug cartel. The film is characterized by its thrilling gunfights, complex characters, and morally ambiguous situations, akin to the narratives players experience in Call of Duty. The sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, further explores similar themes, including the involvement of terrorist organizations.
There are parallels between Sheridan’s storytelling and the immersive experiences offered by the Call of Duty franchise. The game features missions that are often reminiscent of the tension and drama found in films like Sicario, suggesting that Sheridan is well-equipped to tackle this adaptation.
Additionally, Sheridan’s growing repertoire includes the military-themed series Lioness, which follows a CIA agent training women to serve as special operations personnel. With such projects under his belt, the anticipation for a Call of Duty film is building, as fans expect a large-scale military thriller that captures the essence of the game.
While specific details about the upcoming film remain scarce, many speculate it will draw from the Modern Warfare timeline, known for its contemporary settings and intense storylines. The film is set to benefit from Sheridan’s unique vision and expertise, promising an engaging adaptation that may finally break the trend of disappointing video game films.
As interest in the project grows, the collaboration between Sheridan, Berg, and Paramount Pictures has sparked excitement among fans and industry insiders alike, with many eager to see how the Call of Duty film unfolds. The combination of experienced filmmakers and a beloved franchise could signal a new era for video game adaptations in cinema, and perhaps even set a new standard for future projects.
