Activision Rejects Spielberg’s Call of Duty Movie Pitch

A Spielberg-Directed Call of Duty Film That Almost Was

The idea of a Call of Duty film helmed by the renowned director Steven Spielberg was tantalizing but ultimately fell through due to Activision’s specific reservations. Despite Spielberg’s passion for gaming and his appreciation for the Call of Duty franchise, which many believe has been influenced by his cinematic style, Activision ultimately abandoned the concept.

According to Puck News, Spielberg joined forces with Universal dealmaker Jimmy Horowitz to pitch their vision. However, Activision became hesitant, particularly regarding the substantial financial implications and demands for creative control that come with a Spielberg project. Instead of pursuing Spielberg’s proposal, the company opted for a deal with David Ellison, which would allow them to retain greater oversight and ultimately led to Paramount handling the film’s production.

The Promise of a Cinematic Universe

Given the franchise’s staggering success and extensive fanbase, the announcement of a Call of Duty movie felt long overdue. Just this week, the initial steps toward creating a film were confirmed, which may pave the way for a sprawling cinematic universe—potentially extending into both films and television series. Presently, the focus remains on this upcoming film, although the director has not yet been revealed.

Upcoming Highlights in the Franchise

As for the gaming side, excitement builds for the next installment in the Call of Duty franchise, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Developed primarily by Treyarch, with Raven Software contributing to the campaign, this entry promises to bring fresh elements to the series. Set to release on November 14, it will be available across multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One. Anticipation is heightened further as it will face off against major rival titles like Battlefield 6 this year.

As fans await both the movie’s and game’s releases, it’s clear that the potential for expanding the Call of Duty universe, both in film and gaming, continues to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide.

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