So it’s official: Call of Duty is getting its live-action adaptation, and it’s coming from Paramount Pictures. This is the most important announcement to drop, and I have to say, the reaction it has evoked from the players is… distinct, for lack of a better word. We have witnessed questionable video game adaptations before; I doubt this one will revolutionize anything. And now, it seems that someone decided to turn one of the most popular first-person shooter franchises into a film. This is going to be one of two extremes, quite possibly the worst adaptation, or oddly spectacular. Either way, no inbetweens.
The announcement was shared with a transparent PNG of the Call of Duty logo and a simple tweet, which instantly became a meme. The idea of spreading an empty image was noticed promptly, with “Alright, but why did you post the logo as a transparent PNG?” from RoosterScrappy being among the first. I must say, I agree with them. I love the internet; it never ceases to amaze me with petty sarcas, which, I admit, is one of my favourite things on the web. It might not be much, but heated banter like this certainly improves one’s day.
Speaking about the main issue, the sentiments expressed by gamers in response to the news are most crucial to examine. The remarks vary from excitement to blatant dismissal. One remark which stuck was from a user named Automatron, who stated he would be “very surprised if this actually got off the ground.” He modified this by saying, “Activision clearly just wants a piece of the adaptation pie that Minecraft, TLOU, etc. have been baking lately.” That is a dismissive view, but one that undoubtedly seems correct. Video game films are a complete mess, but, like The Last of Us, they do prove it can be done.
That then escalates to: what story are they even adapting? Trevor Hendrix asked this question bluntly with, “If it’s not based on the Ghosts or OG Black Ops storylines we don’t want it.” and NephilimCry simply shouted, “MAKE IT ABOUT ALEX MASON” because when you’re passionate about Black Ops you FEEL the need to shout.
Given the earlier comments, not everyone agrees to this. In frustration, Ramez05 writes, “I speak for everyone when I say WE 👏WILL 👏 NOT 👏BE 👏 WATCHING 👏,” which is an audacious claim considering the number of Call of Duty players. At around the same time, Justin Mitchell remarks that “it’s not woke like the games,” which, as far as I’m aware, makes no sense in the context of a military shooter movie. Oh! What was I saying?
This goes hand in hand with the casting rumors. Tuki Bird jokingly suggested John Cena “starring, judging by the picture,” which was just the transparent logo, so that’s some next level detective work right there. And of course, several people brought up Nicki Minaj, because apparently her operator skin in Modern Warfare has made a permanent mark. “Is Nicki Minaj in this film or do we have to wait for the sequel?” asked Burnouts3. Valid question to be honest.
Some players are already imagining the most absurd things. Franco Epz predicted, “The Whole place will break when Snoop Doggy Dogg handles a Rifle to Captain Price” and called it “Absolute cinema.” And identify me if I’m wrong, but that definitely would be cinema.
However, outside of the jokes and memes shared, there is the constant speculation if Hollywood can actually pull this off. Danilo Riga’s comment is a good representation of the concerns voiced, “Honestly, I’m not very happy… I hope I’m wrong, but every time Hollywood gets its hands on the gaming world, they make a mess, with rare exceptions.” As is well known, for every one good video game adaptation, there are roughly five terrible ones. You remember the Super Mario Bros movie from the 90s, don’t you? Yeah, we try to forget.
Corey’s Gaming Hub combines the critiques of the recent games with their movie potential in the following comment: “Maybe the movie will be better than the game but to be fair that won’t be hard to accomplish.” Ouch, shots fired at Modern Warfare III.
This opens a lot of questions about what makes an adaptation good. Do they do the story of the original Modern Warfare characters, Price and Soap? Do they do the Black Ops mind control conspiracy? Do they make something new in the CoD universe? User Dalorrian said it best, “Depending on which story they do this could either be OK or Terrible.”
There’s also the meta commentary regarding Call of Duty’s relationship to military propaganda. northsideidiot joked, “The documentary that comes out about the federal government funding Activision for military propaganda is gonna go crazy.” Which is a whole other conversation we’re not getting into today.
What gets clear is how much work Paramount Pictures has ahead of them. They’re navigating one of the most devoted and most demanding communities in gaming AND if they screw this up? Oh boy, the internet will never let them forget it. But if they get it right? We could be looking at the next big action movie franchise.
I believe I concur with the middle ground, as The Last of Us and Twisted Metal’s success have shown us that game adaptations done with care and respect for the source material can work. But Call of Duty’s unique challenge: instead of focusing on a single narrative, it is a high-octane, intense military action spectacle.
From what I’ve heard, expect absolute madness. Whether it’s ridiculous cast claims, spoilers that most likely won’t be true, or the trailer drop, this is going to be a crazy ride. And honestly, I’m here for it. Even if it’s just to marvel at the utter disorder, I am tuned in.
So yeah, Call of Duty movie. It’s coming. Regardless of our willingness. Now all is left is waiting to determine its value. Will it be worth the ticket or just a flop like the others? Reactions so far are, at the very least, more fun to observe than most films.
