Live-action ‘Mobile Suit Gundam’ film announced by Bandai and Legendary

A poster for the upcoming live-action ‘Gundam’ film
| Photo Credit: Bandai Namco

Bandai Namco Filmworks and Legendary have officially announced their partnership to co-finance the first-ever live-action Gundam film, marking a major milestone for the beloved mecha franchise.

The film, described as a “Hollywood” adaptation of Mobile Suit Gundam, will be directed and written by Jim Mickle, best known for his work on Sweet Tooth. While details on the story remain under wraps, the project signals Bandai’s commitment to expanding Gundam into the North American market, with the establishment of Bandai Namco Filmworks America, LLC (BNFA) set for April 1, 2025.

The Gundam franchise, spanning over 45 years, includes 25 anime series, 34 movies, and 27 OVAs, making it one of Japan’s most iconic and enduring properties. This live-action adaptation comes at a time when demand for anime-based content is at an all-time high, but the challenge of successfully bringing animated worlds to life in live-action remains daunting.

Anime adaptations have historically struggled to meet fan expectations, often due to misinterpretations of source material or visual execution that fails to capture the essence of the original. However, with Legendary’s experience in large-scale sci-fi productions and Bandai’s deep understanding of the Gundam universe, expectations are high.

More details on the Gundam live-action project are expected to be announced in the coming months as development progresses. The film will be released worldwide, aiming to bring Gundam to a new generation of fans while satisfying longtime enthusiasts of the franchise.