Netflix has secured the distribution rights for the long-anticipated live-action adaptation of the iconic Gundam franchise. This marks a crucial step forward for the project, which has faced years of development hurdles. Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo are set to headline the cast in this ambitious endeavor, which aims to bring the expansive “Mobile Suit” universe to life on the big screen.
The film is being developed in collaboration with Legendary Pictures and Bandai Namco Filmworks. Jim Mickle, known for his work on the Netflix series Sweet Tooth, will take on the roles of both director and screenwriter. While specific plot details are still under wraps, the film is expected to reference the “Universal Century” timeline, a narrative set in a future where humanity has colonized space and resolves its conflicts through pilots of giant mechanized suits known as Gundams.
There are rumors that the film may draw inspiration from “Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team,” which could result in a more grounded and gritty depiction of conflict in Southeast Asia. Reports indicate that Sweeney is eyeing the role of a Zeon pilot, while Centineo is expected to portray her rival and love interest from the Earth Federation. This project seeks to retain the technical grandeur and political intricacies that made the original 1979 series a cultural landmark and a lucrative merchandise phenomenon.
Fans can look forward to an official trailer and release date in the near future, as excitement builds around this groundbreaking adaptation of a beloved anime classic.