The long-awaited live-action Gundam film has found its distribution home once again, as Netflix reportedly comes back on board to bring the iconic mecha franchise to life. According to Anime News Network, citing Deadline, the streaming giant is set to distribute the highly anticipated project from Legendary Pictures and Sunrise, marking a dramatic return after previously parting ways with the production several years ago.
The film, which has undergone significant creative changes over its extended development period, now features a star-studded cast with Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) and Noah Centineo (To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, Street Fighter) reportedly attached to star. This casting represents a major coup for the production, bringing together two of Hollywood’s rising stars for what could become one of the most ambitious anime adaptations ever attempted.
A Turbulent Journey to Production
The live-action Gundam project has had a notably complex development history. First announced at Anime Expo in 2018, the film has weathered multiple creative overhauls and partnership changes over the past eight years. Netflix was originally involved with the project back in November 2021, when the streaming service announced it would distribute the film worldwide and even shared concept art featuring a battle-damaged version of the iconic RX-78-2 Gundam.
At that time, Jordan Vogt-Roberts, director of Kong: Skull Island, was attached to helm the project, with acclaimed comic book writer Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, Runaways) penning the screenplay. However, both Netflix and Vogt-Roberts eventually departed from the production, sending the film back to the drawing board and leaving fans wondering if it would ever see the light of day.
New Creative Vision Under Jim Mickle
The project found new life in October 2024 when Legendary Pictures announced that Jim Mickle would take over as both writer and director. Mickle, best known for his critically acclaimed work as showrunner and director of Netflix’s Sweet Tooth, brings a proven track record of adapting beloved source material with care and creativity. His work on Sweet Tooth earned the series a 97% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 20 Emmy nominations across its three seasons, winning four awards.
Mickle’s previous directorial efforts also demonstrate his versatility across genres. He helmed the horror film Stake Land, which won the Midnight Madness award at the Toronto International Film Festival, and directed Cold in July, a southern noir thriller that premiered at both Cannes and Sundance. He also co-created the critically acclaimed series Hap and Leonard for Sundance TV and AMC.
For the Gundam film, Mickle will produce alongside his partner Linda Moran through their production company Nightshade. Interestingly, Noah Centineo is also serving as a producer on the project with his partner Enzo Marc, giving the young actor significant creative input on the production.
Bandai Namco’s Major Investment
The commitment to this live-action adaptation extends far beyond just creative personnel. In February 2025, Bandai Namco Holdings USA Inc. established a wholly-owned subsidiary called Bandai Namco Filmworks America Inc., with one of its primary purposes being to produce the live-action Gundam film. This move signals the Japanese entertainment giant’s serious investment in bringing their flagship franchise to Western audiences through Hollywood filmmaking.
Bandai Namco Filmworks and Legendary Pictures signed a joint investment agreement for the film in January 2025, formalizing their co-financing partnership. The establishment of the American subsidiary demonstrates Bandai Namco’s long-term strategy to expand foreign licensing business and brand management, positioning Gundam for greater international recognition beyond its already impressive global footprint.
The Gundam Legacy: From Anime Pioneer to Global Phenomenon
For those unfamiliar with the franchise, Mobile Suit Gundam is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon in Japan and a cornerstone of anime history worldwide. Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and first broadcast in 1979, the series pioneered the “real robot” genre of mecha anime, distinguishing itself from earlier robot shows by treating its giant machines as realistic military weapons rather than fantastical superheroes.
Set in the Universal Century timeline, the original series depicted a future where humanity has colonized space due to overpopulation on Earth. When space colonists launch a war of independence against the Earth Federation, the conflict is fought using massive humanoid fighting machines called mobile suits. The series explored complex themes of war, politics, and humanity with a nuanced approach that refused to depict conflicts in simple terms of good versus evil.
Since its debut, the Gundam franchise has expanded into an entertainment empire spanning 83 animated series and films, countless manga adaptations, video games, novels, and an extraordinarily successful line of plastic model kits known as Gunpla. The franchise generates over $600 million annually from its toy and retail business alone, with total annual revenue exceeding $900 million when including all product categories and services.
The Pacific Rim Connection
An interesting piece of Hollywood history helped pave the way for this live-action adaptation. Ken Iyadomi, Sunrise’s Executive Expert for film production, revealed at a Project Anime industry presentation in March 2019 that a brief cameo appearance of the Gundam Unicorn in Pacific Rim: Uprising helped create the relationships between Sunrise and Legendary Pictures. This small Easter egg for fans ultimately set the scene for serious talks about a full Gundam film adaptation.
The connection makes sense given Legendary’s experience with giant monster and robot films through the MonsterVerse franchise, which includes Godzilla, Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla vs. Kong, and the Pacific Rim series. The studio has demonstrated its ability to bring massive-scale action to the screen with impressive visual effects, making it an ideal partner for translating Gundam‘s epic mobile suit battles to live-action.
Star Power: Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo
The reported casting of Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo adds significant star power to the project. Sweeney has become one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actresses, earning critical acclaim for her performances in HBO’s Euphoria and delivering memorable turns in films like Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and the horror thriller Immaculate. Her involvement suggests the film is aiming for both blockbuster appeal and dramatic depth.
Sweeney was reportedly still in final talks to join the project as of March 2025, though sources now indicate she is fully on board. The actress has shown enthusiasm for the project in interviews, telling MovieWeb that there has been movement “every single day” on the Gundam film’s development.
Noah Centineo, who broke out as a romantic lead in Netflix’s To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy, has been actively transitioning into action franchises. He recently completed filming on Legendary’s live-action Street Fighter film and appeared in DC’s Black Adam. His reported involvement in Gundam was first mentioned in November 2025, when Deadline reported he was in talks to join the cast. Centineo’s dual role as both star and producer suggests he’s deeply invested in the project’s success.
What to Expect From the Live-Action Adaptation
While plot details remain tightly under wraps, speculation among fans points to several possible directions for the film. The production could adapt the original 1979 Mobile Suit Gundam series, which follows teenage pilot Amuro Ray as he becomes embroiled in the One Year War between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon. Alternatively, the film might draw inspiration from other beloved entries in the franchise, such as Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team, a 1990s OVA that featured a star-crossed romance between opposing pilots during the One Year War.
There’s also the possibility that Mickle’s script creates an entirely new timeline within the Gundam multiverse, following the franchise’s tradition of alternate continuities. This approach would give the filmmakers creative freedom while maintaining the core themes and aesthetics that define Gundam.
This will mark the first major live-action feature film in the Gundam franchise, though technically not the first live-action production. A Canadian-Japanese telefilm called G-Saviour aired on TV Asahi in 1999 to commemorate the franchise’s 20th anniversary, but it was poorly received and is generally considered non-canon by most fans.
The Challenge of Anime Adaptation
Live-action anime adaptations have historically faced mixed results in Hollywood. Films like Dragonball Evolution and Ghost in the Shell disappointed both critics and fans, while Netflix’s live-action Cowboy Bebop series was canceled after just one season. However, recent successes like Netflix’s One Piece have demonstrated that faithful, well-crafted adaptations can win over skeptical audiences.
The Gundam project has several factors working in its favor. Legendary’s proven track record with large-scale visual effects spectacles, Jim Mickle’s demonstrated ability to adapt beloved properties with respect and creativity, and Bandai Namco’s direct involvement through their American subsidiary all suggest a production that takes the source material seriously.
Additionally, the mecha genre has found some success in live-action through Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim, which, while not a direct anime adaptation, captured the spirit of giant robot action that Gundam pioneered. The film’s success proved that audiences have an appetite for well-executed robot combat on the big screen.
Netflix’s Return: A Full Circle Moment
Netflix’s reported return as distributor represents a full circle moment for the project. While Deadline‘s sources indicate the streaming giant is on board, neither Netflix nor Legendary has provided official confirmation as of this writing. If the deal is finalized, it would mark a reunion between Netflix and Legendary on a project that both parties had previously walked away from, suggesting renewed confidence in the current creative direction.
The streaming platform has been aggressively expanding its anime offerings in recent years, both through original productions and live-action adaptations. A successful Gundam film could open the door for an entire universe of content on the platform, potentially including animated series, spin-offs, and sequels.
Looking Ahead
While no official release date has been announced, the film was reportedly aiming to begin production in early 2025, with Jim Mickle stating in interviews that he was actively scouting locations. The establishment of Bandai Namco Filmworks America in April 2025 and the signing of the co-financing agreement suggest the project is moving forward with serious momentum.
For Gundam fans who have waited decades for a proper live-action adaptation, the combination of Netflix’s distribution muscle, Legendary’s blockbuster expertise, Bandai Namco’s direct involvement, and a talented creative team led by Jim Mickle offers genuine hope that this long-gestating project will finally deliver the epic mobile suit action they’ve been dreaming of.
As Mickle himself stated, the goal is to create an “entry ramp” for new viewers while honoring the legacy of one of anime’s most influential franchises. If successful, the live-action Gundam film could introduce an entirely new generation to the rich universe of mobile suits, space colonies, and complex human drama that has captivated audiences for over 45 years.