Netflix has secured the distribution rights to Legendary Entertainment's ambitious live-action adaptation of the legendary Gundam franchise, marking a significant step forward for the long-gestating project that now stars rising powerhouses Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo.
According to Deadline, the streamer is stepping in to handle worldwide distribution for the film, which promises to translate the sprawling mecha battles and philosophical depth of the original anime into a cinematic spectacle. Jim Mickle, the visionary director and writer behind Netflix's acclaimed post-apocalyptic series Sweet Tooth, is directing from his own screenplay, bringing his signature blend of emotional storytelling and visual ambition to one of anime's most enduring properties.
Sydney Sweeney, whose star continues to ascend following standout turns in HBO's Euphoria, the romantic comedy Anyone But You, and superhero fare like Madame Web, takes on a pivotal role in the Gundam universe. Her ability to convey vulnerability alongside fierce determination makes her an ideal fit for the high-stakes drama of interstellar warfare.
Noah Centineo, best known for charming audiences in Netflix's To All the Boys I've Loved Before series and showcasing his action chops in Black Adam and the spy thriller The Recruit, rounds out the lead cast. Centineo is also serving as a co-producer alongside his partner Enzo Marc, signaling his deep involvement in bringing this passion project to life.
Mickle is producing through his Nightshade banner alongside longtime collaborator Linda Moran, while Legendary Entertainment and Bandai Namco Filmworks co-develop the feature to preserve the authenticity of Yoshiyuki Tomino's groundbreaking creation. The Gundam franchise, which launched in 1979 with Mobile Suit Gundam, revolutionized anime by introducing realistic depictions of giant robotic "mobile suits" piloted in brutal, politically charged conflicts between Earth and space colonies. Its Universal Century timeline has spawned dozens of series, films, manga, and games, amassing a global following and generating hundreds of millions in annual revenue through merchandise and media.
This live-action version arrives after previous incarnations faced hurdles. Production is slated to commence later in 2026, with the team focused on delivering state-of-the-art visual effects to realize the franchise's signature colossal robot battles and intricate world-building.
Legendary Entertainment announced its development of a Gundam film with Netflix in the spring of 2021, with Jordan Vogt-Roberts attached to direct the pic following his work with the studio on its hit Monsterverse installment Kong: Skull Island. However, the streamer and Vogt-Roberts no longer are involved.
