Stefano Sollima, director of Sicario 2: Soldado, the sequel to the critically favored Sicario (2015), is in negotiations with Activision Studios to direct an adaptation of the mega-hit video game franchise Call of Duty. The production’s approach seems to be a universe that pulls from the many incarnations of the game as opposed to using one of the existing plots. Stacey Sher and Nick Van Dyk, Presidents of Activision Blizzard Studio are producing with Bobby Kotick, Activision Blizzard’s Chief.
A writer has not yet been attached.
This might have raised both my eyebrows if the news was Sicario director Denis Villeneuve to helm Call of Duty adaptation. Blade Runner 2049 (2017) had some decent visuals and the Sicario highway sequence was one of those movie moments that can carry an entire film. But I’m going to be fair, it will be awhile before I get to rent Sicario 2 and Mr. Sollima may wind up impressing the hell out of me. He’s going to need all the well-wishing he can get.
I think it is a mistake not to pick a version/plot and focus on it for a single film. Too many adaptations have tried to ‘be everything’ and failed. The old saying, keep it simple, stupid, rings true. Don’t try to get all the marbles just tell a simple story and make it good. Then, pick another plot and do the same..see how that works? Maybe they will rethink their game plan, maybe not. One thing they need to keep in mind is the skepticism regarding Video Game adaptations rivals that of DCEU movies. And knowing a few Call of Duty fanatics in my personal life I can safely say they can be more fanatical and critical of the property than anyone. These people spend most of their lives in that world, and that is not an exaggeration. Woe to the man, woman or child who screws it up.
Source: Variety
