The first-ever live-action Gundam movie has found its official home. Netflix has secured the distribution rights for the major feature film adaptation of the iconic Japanese anime franchise. After years of development, the project is moving forward with a high-profile cast led by Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo, and directed by Jim Mickle.
The film is a collaboration between Legendary Pictures and the franchise owner, Bandai Namco Filmworks. Following multiple shifts in its creative team and a long period of uncertainty, this new partnership with Netflix signals that the ambitious project to bring the giant robots to live-action is finally gaining serious momentum.
The New Creative Team and Cast Behind the Gundam Movie
Jim Mickle, known for his work on Netflix’s Sweet Tooth, is now steering the project as both director and screenwriter. He will also produce the film alongside his partner Linda Moran through their company Nightshade. Noah Centineo is also set to produce with his partner Enzo Marc.
The starring roles have been filled by two of Hollywood’s prominent young actors. Sydney Sweeney, celebrated for her roles in Euphoria and the recent box office hit The Housemaid, is attached to the film. Noah Centineo, who gained widespread fame from Netflix’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series and will soon appear in the Street Fighter adaptation, is set to star opposite her.
The involvement of this new team follows a significant change in the project’s direction. The film was initially announced in 2021 with director Jordan Vogt-Roberts attached, but he and Netflix are no longer part of that earlier version. Brian K. Vaughan was also previously involved as a writer before Mickle took over.
What the Live-Action Gundam Story Might Involve
Specific plot details for the movie are still tightly under wraps. However, reports indicate it will draw from the franchise’s primary “Universal Century” timeline. This setting is a future where humanity has colonized space, leading to intense political and military conflicts between Earth and its colonies. These wars are fought by pilots operating giant humanoid machines known as mobile suits, with the most advanced models called Gundams.
The original Gundam series explores the tragedies and discord arising from human conflict, depicting not only the maturation of the main character but also the intentions of enemies and the surrounding people.
There is industry speculation that the film’s story may take inspiration from Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team, a series noted for its more grounded, gritty portrayal of war. In this potential storyline, Sydney Sweeney could play a pilot from the principality of Zeon, while Noah Centineo might portray her rival and love interest from the Earth Federation.
The Long Road to a Live-Action Gundam Film
The journey to bring Gundam to live-action has been long and winding. Netflix first announced a partnership with Legendary for a Gundam film back in July 2018. After several years of development, the project was officially confirmed to be in motion at Netflix in April 2021. At that time, concept art was released and filming was initially planned for 2023.
However, the project faced delays. By October 2024, it was reported that the movie was no longer moving forward at Netflix with its previous creative team. The current iteration, led by Jim Mickle, began to take shape throughout 2025. Sydney Sweeney was first linked to the film in April 2025, and Noah Centineo entered talks by November 2025.
The film is currently in pre-production, with a planned shooting schedule. Filming is expected to begin as early as March 2026 and could run through June, with potential filming locations including Australia and the United Kingdom.
The Massive Legacy of the Gundam Franchise
The Gundam franchise is a cornerstone of global pop culture. It began with the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam, created by Yoshiyuki Tomino, which premiered in Japan on April 7, 1979. Unlike simpler robot stories of the time, Gundam presented its giant machines, or “mobile suits,” as realistic military weapons within complex narratives about war, politics, and human nature.
This approach pioneered the “real robot” subgenre of mecha anime and spawned a multimedia empire. To date, the franchise includes over 80 animated series and movies across multiple timelines. Beyond screen content, Gundam is a merchandising powerhouse, generating an estimated $600 million annually from model kits, video games, and other products.
Netflix has previously streamed several Gundam anime titles, including Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway and Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance, helping to introduce the saga to new audiences worldwide. The upcoming live-action film represents the franchise’s most significant step into a new medium.
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Fan Reaction to the Gundam Movie News
The announcement of the cast and Netflix’s involvement has sparked a wide range of reactions from fans and observers online. While many are excited to see the project finally advance, some have expressed caution about the adaptation.
Casting has been a particular point of discussion. Comments on entertainment news articles show a divided response. Some fans have questioned the choice of lead actors, with one anonymous commenter noting, “These are two actors I genuinely never wouldโve pictured starring in a Gundam movie”. Others are more optimistic, with a different commenter stating, “Not sold on Noah, but Sydneyโs great, so Iโll cross my fingers and hope this is good”.
The broader conversation also touches on the track record of Hollywood adapting iconic Japanese anime. Past live-action adaptations like Ghost in the Shell have been met with criticism from some fans. However, the recent success of Netflix’s One Piece live-action series has raised hopes that a faithful and well-received adaptation is possible when there is careful collaboration with the original creators.
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