Live-Action Gundam Movie from Legendary and Bandai Namco Finally Gets Greenlit!

For decades, fans have eagerly anticipated a live-action adaptation of the iconic Gundam series, which first emerged on April 7, 1979 – that’s over 40 years ago! It’s hard to believe that a show with such an extensive history hasn’t ventured into live-action cinema yet. However, numerous attempts have fallen through in the past. But now, the wait is finally over as a live-action Gundam movie is officially in development, spearheaded by Legendary and Bandai Namco Filmworks.

There’s even a Gundamn poster to seal the deal. And isn’t that the best news you’ve heard all day?

A Live-Action Gundam Movie Is Officially On the Way

In January 2025, Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. and LEGENDARY entered into an agreement to jointly finance a Hollywood live-action film adaptation of the Mobile Suit Gundam series, tentatively named “GUNDAM.” The movie will be penned and directed by Jim Mickle (known for Sweet Tooth), produced by Legendary Pictures, and is set to hit cinemas globally. Further details such as storyline, casting, and more are yet to be disclosed, but Bandai Namco has promised to share updates once they’re finalized.

Bandai Namco has been the custodians of the Gundam franchise since its inception in 1980, just a year after it was born. Given their long-standing involvement, this upcoming live-action Gundam movie is expected to meet and exceed all fan expectations. Simultaneously, Bandai Namco’s collaborator Legendary has demonstrated its knack for nurturing franchises that resonate with fans, having built the popular Monsterverse and guiding Dune towards live-action brilliance. With these two powerhouses joining forces, there’s no doubt they will elevate the Gundam legacy to unprecedented, interstellar heights.

The release confirms that this movie marks the first-ever Gundam live-action movie.

The Poster for the Live-Action Gundam Movie

To confirm the reality of an upcoming live-action Gundam film, Bandai Namco unveiled a promotional poster. The image doesn’t reveal much, merely depicting a swift streak of fiery light traversing a planet. However, the hint of the movie’s grand and epic ambitions is already evident. The poster further indicates that production on the live-action Gundam film has officially commenced, causing excitement to spread across the galaxy.

The History of This Live-Action Gundam Movie

Previously in 2021, news broke about the live-action Gundam movie being distributed by Netflix. We even got a sneak peek at a 3D model of the iconic RX-78-2 Gundam made for the film, with Brian K. Vaughn (known for writing Y: The Last Man and Runaways) involved in the project at that time. However, in 2024, it was reported that Vaughn and Netflix had parted ways, with Mickle taking over as director instead. Now, it’s reassuring to officially learn about these updates.

More About Gundam

The Gundam franchise boasts an extensive timeline and intricate narrative structure, given its vast collection of content spanning 40 years, including 25 anime series, 34 movies, 27 OVAs, streaming content, exclusive footage from events, TV specials, and more. Consequently, it’s no wonder that the storyline is so intricate. Essentially, the first Mobile Suit Gundam series centers around a conflict between the Principality of Zeon and the Earth Federation. To gain an edge in this war, the Earth Federation constructs a colossal robot called the RX-78-2 Gundam, which is operated by Amuro Ray, a teenage civilian mechanic. Throughout its various adaptations and sequels, the Gundam franchise has consistently maintained the central motif of young individuals controlling mecha armor, a theme that will likely be significant in the upcoming live-action film.

In the primary “Gundam” series, events unfold within the “Universal Century” timeframe. However, it’s uncertain where a movie might slot into the existing franchise narrative. We’ll just have to observe and find out if any stories or characters from past entries will appear in live-action adaptations. There remains the possibility of an entirely new story emerging within the “Gundam” universe.

When Will the Live-Action Gundam Movie Release?

At the moment, there’s no confirmed release date for the live-action Gundam movie. Fingers crossed, it seems we’re still at the start of things, but here’s hoping that when it does launch, it’ll do so with a strong and impactful purpose.

Editor’s Note: TopMob is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks.

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2025-02-05 22:33