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Sydney Sweeney (Madame Web, Anyone But You) is ready to trade the glitter of Euphoria for the grit of giant robot warfare. In a move that brings one of Japan’s most iconic franchises closer to Western audiences, Sweeney is now in final talks to join Legendary’s live-action Gundam film, per Deadline. First announced in 2021, the adaptation of the beloved mecha series has been quietly taking shape behind the scenes.
Originally launched in 1979 by creator Yoshiyuki Tomino, Mobile Suit Gundam not only pioneered the “real robot” subgenre of anime but also spawned a multimedia empire. The franchise generates more than US$600 million annually, largely through its expansive lineup of TV series, films, video games, and highly sought-after model kits. Despite its longstanding global popularity, it has never had a proper live-action feature… until now.
This upcoming project is being developed by Legendary Pictures in partnership with Bandai Namco Filmworks, the newly launched U.S.-based production arm of the Japanese conglomerate. Jim Mickle, best known as the showrunner of Netflix’s Sweet Tooth, has been tapped to direct and co-write the script. He will also produce the film through his Nightshade banner alongside his longtime collaborator Linda Moran. This marks a major step for Mickle, transitioning from comic book-inspired fantasy to the weighty, politically charged battlefield of Gundam.
Though plot specifics are still being kept secret, there’s speculation on whether this adaptation will reinterpret the original Mobile Suit Gundam story or carve out a new story within the Universal Century or one of its alternate timelines. Either way, the question of how the film will translate Gundam’s intricate lore and massive mobile suits to the screen remains key.
The timing is notable. Gundam’s anime presence is stronger than ever, with a new entry, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, set to premiere as part of the Spring 2025 anime slate. That series has already made waves thanks to early screenings and creative involvement from Evangelion mastermind Hideaki Anno and Studio Khara. It also continues the franchise’s recent trend of spotlighting female protagonists, a shift that’s being welcomed by longtime fans.
With production expected to begin soon, and additional casting announcements likely around the corner, Gundam fans worldwide are watching closely. Nearly five decades after the RX-78-2 first launched, the dream of seeing a mobile suit in live-action is finally within reach.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Caleb from Love and Deepspace.
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Kevin Low
