Netflix is finally suiting up! The streaming giant has officially announced the start of production for the first-ever live-action film in the "Gundam" franchise. This massive project is a co-production with Bandai Namco Filmworks, and cameras have already begun rolling in Queensland, Australia, as of April 2026.
Director Jim Mickle—the visionary behind the hit series "Sweet Tooth" and the 2013 cult thriller We Are What We Are—is at the helm. The film boasts some serious star power with Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo taking the lead roles, alongside the exciting addition of Shioli Kutsuna to the cast.
Launching After 47 Years of History: The First "Gundam" Live-Action Film Enters Production with Bandai Namco Filmworks
The "Gundam" saga began in 1979 with the broadcast of the original TV anime, Mobile Suit Gundam. Centered on the massive robotic weapons known as "Mobile Suits" and the complex ensemble dramas of the people who pilot them, this series has sparked a global phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down. Its legacy has transcended the boundaries of mere animation, evolving into a modern "myth" for humanity. Now, this legendary story is finally ready to make its live-action debut. The film is set against the backdrop of a decades-long war between Earth and its space colonies, following rival pilots caught on opposite sides of the conflict. As shifting loyalties and escalating threats force them into a collision course, they are swept into a life-or-death struggle across the Stellas (stars) that could decide the very fate of humanity. We are eagerly looking forward to the breathtaking combat, nuanced human drama, and the epic scale this story promises to deliver.
Jim Mickle ("Sweet Tooth") directs, with Sydney Sweeney (Anyone But You, "Euphoria") and Noah Centineo (Black Adam, A Minecraft Movie) starring. They are joined by a diverse and talented ensemble cast including:
Jackson White
Shioli Kutsuna
Nonso Anozie
Michael Mando
Javon "Wanna" Walton
Oleksandr Rudynskyi
Eida Brueck
Gemma Chua-Tran
Jason Isaacs
This film is being produced by Legendary Pictures in collaboration with Bandai Namco Filmworks. With a proven track record of delivering blockbuster hits, Legendary has established itself as a leader in franchise storytelling built on artistic integrity and long-term vision. They continue to make a massive cultural and commercial impact across film, television, digital media, publishing, and comics. Their recent successes include A Minecraft Movie, which raked in nearly $1 billion at the global box office, the Academy Award®-winning Dune: Part Two, and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Looking ahead, their slate includes Denis Villeneuve’s series finale Dune: Part Three, Street Fighter, Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, and Enola Holmes 3, as well as new seasons of "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters," "Dune: Prophecy," and "Drops of God."
Director Jim Mickle also serves as a producer through his banner, Nightshade, alongside partner Linda Moran. Other producers include Cale Boyter, Ali Mendes, Sydney Sweeney, Noah Centineo, and Enzo Marc. The executive production team features Matthew Jenkins, alongside franchise veterans Makoto Asanuma and Naohiro Ogata.
© Animate Times
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
