Netflix Will Reportedly Distribute Live-Action Gundam Movie

Netflix will reportedly distribute the live-action adaptation of the iconic Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, according to an industry source cited by Deadline. The streamer and production studio have not publicly commented on the negotiations.

The film, developed by Legendary Pictures in partnership with franchise owner Bandai Namco Filmworks, is reported to star Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo. The script and direction of the movie will be handled by Jim Mickle, known for Netflix’s Sweet Tooth television series.

Both Mickle and Centineo will be producing the project, with Mickle joining his partner Linda Moran through the production company Nightshade, and Centineo joining with his partner Enzo Marc. The production committee hasn’t yet revealed anything about the plot of the upcoming movie.

The Deadline report marks the latest development news about the Gundam movie, which has been in various stages of development for almost eight years. Since Netflix announced the project back in 2018, it has been one of the most anticipated live-action adaptations for Hollywood and anime communities alike.

Long-Anticipated Gundam Live-Action Adaptation and its Significance

As mentioned, the Gundam live-action adaptation was first announced in 2018, with Netflix and Legendary at the helm. Later, after a silence of almost three years, in April 2021, a concept art was released with an announcement that director Jordan Vogt-Roberts will direct the project.

Since then, Netflix has left the project, the director has changed, and ultimately, no solid development news came out from the Gundam live-action production committee, except for the cast announcement last year. Despite being one of anime’s most enduring and influential IPs, it has never had a live-action or Hollywood production before. 

The Mobile Suit Gundam franchise was launched in 1979 with Yoshiyuki Tomino’s original series, and since then has expanded into 34 films, 25 animated series, 27 original video adaptations (OVAs), multiple games, and merchandise pipelines.

Even after four decades within the anime industry, Gundam is still a commercial powerhouse for Bandai Namco. The company recently raised its annual revenue forecast for the Gundam IP to about $1.5 billion USD for fiscal year 2026, driven by model kit sales, mobile titles, and cross-media releases.

Additionally, in February 2025, Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. announced the establishment of Bandai Namco Filmworks America (BNFA) to strengthen Gundam’s licensing and brand value in the overseas market. The new subsidiary will be responsible for “the production of GUNDAM,” according to the press release.

After a strong 2025, in 2026, the Gundam franchise is gearing up for the upcoming Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway (Part 2 - The Sorcery of Nymph Circe) release on Jan 30, 2026. The potential Netflix distribution deal also signals a high-visibility window prior to the release. For Netflix, securing distribution for a live-action Gundam movie would strengthen its footprint in blockbuster anime adaptations.