Deadline: Netflix 'on Board' to Distribute Live-Action Gundam Film

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Live-Action Gundam Film Project Gains Momentum at Netflix
The long-awaited live-action Gundam film project is gaining traction, with Netflix reportedly on board to distribute the latest iteration. According to a recent report from Deadline, the film is moving forward with notable stars potentially attached. This marks a significant step for the project, which has been in development for several years.
Star Power: Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo in Talks
Adding to the excitement surrounding the film, Sydney Sweeney, known for her roles in Euphoria and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, is reportedly in final talks to star. Noah Centineo, famous for To All The Boys I've Loved Before, is also said to be in talks to join the cast. These casting choices suggest a blend of established talent and rising stars, potentially appealing to a wide audience.
Bandai Namco's Strategic Investment
Bandai Namco Holdings USA Inc. established a new subsidiary, Bandai Namco Filmworks America, LLC, to expand foreign licensing and brand management. This strategic move, under the control of Bandai Namco Filmworks, signals a serious commitment to the Gundam franchise's global reach, particularly ahead of the live-action film's release. Bandai Namco Filmworks and Legendary Pictures solidified their partnership with a joint investment agreement for the film in January.
Jim Mickle at the Helm
Jim Mickle, the showrunner of Sweet Tooth, is set to write and direct the Gundam film. Mickle's involvement brings a distinct creative vision to the project. He will also produce the film alongside Linda Moran through their Nightshade company, indicating a strong level of creative control.
Netflix's Previous Involvement
Netflix's interest in the Gundam franchise is not new. In November 2021, the streaming giant announced plans to stream an earlier version of the project worldwide and even shared concept art. At that time, Jordan Vogt-Roberts (Kong: Skull Island) was attached as the director and an executive producer. Comic book author Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina, Runaways) was slated to write the script and serve as an executive producer.
Past Creative Team
The previous iteration of the film also included Makoto Asanuma as an executive producer. Mary Parent, the vice chair of Worldwide Production for Legendary, along with Legendary's Cale Boyter and Sunrise's Naohiro Ogata, were listed as producers. This impressive lineup highlights the collaborative effort to bring the Gundam universe to life.
From Pacific Rim Cameo to Film Deal
A cameo appearance by the Gundam Unicorn in Pacific Rim: Uprising played a crucial role in fostering the relationship between Sunrise and Legendary Pictures. According to Robert Napton and Sunrise Executive Expert for film production Ken Iyadomi, this cameo helped pave the way for discussions about a potential Gundam film project. The streamlined decision-making process at Legendary also facilitated the negotiations.
Anime Expo Announcement
Cale Boyter and Bandai Namco Holdings president Mitsuaki Taguchi announced the live-action adaptation at Anime Expo in July 2018. Robert Napton moderated the panel segment, generating excitement among fans. This marked a significant public announcement, confirming the adaptation's development.
The Mysterious Mobile Suit Gundam UC2
An event in April 2018 briefly mentioned a tentatively titled Mobile Suit Gundam UC2 project with an "overseas drama" format. The project, set in Universal Calendar 0104, was planned to launch in 2022. However, after displaying the listing, Sunrise Studio's emcee and Gundam Unicorn novelist Harutoshi Fukui humorously asked the audience to disregard the visual. This adds an element of mystery and speculation to the Gundam franchise's future plans.