Director of the Call of Duty film shares insights on Taylor Sheridan’s contributions to the adaptation.

Before launching the expansive Yellowstone franchise and the family drama series Landman, writer Taylor Sheridan honed his skills on gripping action thrillers like Sicario, Hell or High Water, and Without Remorse, the latter being a prequel to Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six. Sheridan’s next major endeavor is adapting the Call of Duty franchise, collaborating with director Peter Berg, known for his work on modern military films like The Kingdom and Lone Survivor.

Berg believes that Sheridan is infusing the 2028 Call of Duty film with a depth that is rare among screenwriters.

Currently promoting his latest war film, The Mosquito Bowl, which is based on a World War II book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Buzz Bissinger, Berg shared insights with an outlet about their vision for the Call of Duty movie, emphasizing their goal to provide more than just explosive action.

“Modern Warfare, when you examine the missions, storylines, and characters—like Captain Price, Soap, Ghost, and Alex—these are complex individuals,” Berg noted. “They’re not just cartoon characters or comic book figures. The narratives are nuanced; there’s a genuine soul to the Modern Warfare universe. Sure, there’s violence, hardware, and combat, but at its core, the game and its creators are exploring the true cost of war and the weight that warriors carry when they step into danger for others.”

Berg highlighted that he and Sheridan are dedicated to capturing the “soul” of the Call of Duty narrative centered on soldiers. “There’s a depth to it that I grasp, and that Taylor Sheridan comprehends,” he stated. “The film will possess a strong soul and address the consequences of war…”

Plans for a high-budget Call of Duty movie were announced for 2025, with promises to deliver what fans cherish about the series while also reaching out to new audiences.

“The film will honor and build upon what has made this franchise exceptional,” said Rob Kostich, president of Activision. “Our shared goal is straightforward—create an unforgettable blockbuster experience that resonates with our community and excites new fans.”

Activision has been considering a Call of Duty film for over a decade. In 2015, they established Activision Blizzard Studios to adapt their properties into film and TV projects, with plans for a “robust cinematic universe” based on Call of Duty. At one point, director Stefano Sollima, known for Sicario: Day of the Soldado, was attached to direct, but that iteration ultimately fell through.

The Call of Duty movie is set to premiere in theaters on June 30, 2028, facing competition from a Battlefield film directed by Christopher McQuarrie and starring Michael B. Jordan.

Peter Berg’s The Mosquito Bowl will hit theaters on October 30 and will be available for streaming on Netflix starting November 25.