Paramount Greenlights Call of Duty Movie
Activision and Paramount have officially sealed the deal: a live-action Call of Duty feature film is now in development. Paramount Skydance will lead the writing, production, and distribution of the project, while Activision—now under Microsoft’s umbrella—will actively partner to ensure the film preserves the franchise’s signature style and narrative authenticity .
David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount (Skydance), expressed both excitement and responsibility, stating:
“As a lifelong fan of Call of Duty… being entrusted by Activision and players worldwide to bring this extraordinary storytelling universe to the big screen is both an honor and a responsibility…” .
Rob Kostich, President of Activision, echoed that Paramount is an ideal partner to translate the “visceral, breathtaking action” of the games into a cinematic experience .
With over 500 million copies sold, 16 straight years as the top-selling U.S. video game franchise, Call of Duty boasts a massive and passionate global fanbase—the perfect foundation for a blockbuster film.
Spielberg’s Bid—and Its Rejection
Before Paramount rose to the challenge, one of cinema’s most legendary directors—Steven Spielberg—made a bold move to direct the New Call of Duty movie. Partnering with his Amblin production company and Universal Pictures, he pitched directly to Activision. But the catch? The infamous “Spielberg Deal”—a package promising top-tier compensation, final cut, and full creative and marketing control—made Activision uneasy. They ultimately turned it down in favor of the Paramount proposal, which allowed the publisher more oversight and input .
Spielberg’s deep ties to military gaming only added a twist to the story: he co-founded DreamWorks Interactive, which developed Medal of Honor—a precursor and direct inspiration to Call of Duty—and many Infinity Ward members worked originally on that franchise .
However, Activision’s desire to retain creative control led them away from Spielberg’s vision—sparking regret among fans and commentators alike at the missed opportunity .
Behind the Zombies: George A. Romero as “The Director”
Beyond the big-screen adaptation, the Call of Duty universe conceals one of its most bizarre and beloved easter eggs in Zombies lore. In the Black Ops DLC map “Call of the Dead”, the undead boss is none other than legendary horror director George A. Romero—often dubbed the Godfather of Zombies .
How it plays out: Romero is depicted on a remote Siberian island—once abducted by zombies while filming a World War II–era movie—and returns as an electrified, roving zombie boss wielding a stage light. With a massive blue aura and immense health, he’s a fierce adversary .
Gameplay mechanics:
- Romero roams the area calmly but enters berserk mode if provoked, shaking the player’s vision and electrifying the battlefield.
- He’s immune to many standard weapons like the Wunderwaffe DG-2, nukes, or insta-kill power-ups—but can be slain with the Death Machine .
- Once defeated, Romero drops high-powered weapons as rewards depending on your Easter Egg progress .
This meta-inclusion is a fan-favorite nod to Romero’s legacy in horror cinema, blending the Call of Duty Zombies mythos with gaming history.
Summary
New Development: Paramount Skydance will helm a Call of Duty movie, in partnership with Activision. Both studios aim to deliver a cinematic experience that honors the games’ legacy while appealing to newcomers .
Spielberg’s Involvement: Spielberg made a sincere bid to direct—but Activision balked at the “Spielberg Deal,” choosing creative control over Hollywood prestige .
Zombified Easter Egg: In the iconic Zombies map “Call of the Dead,” players face off against the zombified figure of horror legend George A. Romero—an inspired crossover of real-world and in-game storytelling .