Steven Spielberg’s Call of Duty Movie Pitch Rejected by Activision
A Call of Duty movie directed by Steven Spielberg almost happened, but Activision turned down the legendary filmmaker’s pitch due to concerns over creative control and economics. The report, published by Puck News, details how Spielberg, a fan of the franchise and an avid gamer, worked with Universal dealmaker Jimmy Horowitz to present his vision for the adaptation.
On paper, Spielberg directing a Call of Duty film made perfect sense. Many of his iconic war epics, including Saving Private Ryan, directly influenced the series’ tone, pacing, and cinematic approach to warfare. However, Activision was reportedly uneasy about Spielberg’s deal structure, which demanded top-market economics and full creative control over production, marketing, and final cut. Instead, the publisher - now under Microsoft’s ownership - chose David Ellison’s pitch, which allowed them to retain greater control over the project. The film will be produced by Paramount Pictures, though a director has yet to be announced.
The upcoming movie marks the official beginning of Activision’s push into film and television adaptations, with plans for a potential cinematic universe built around Call of Duty. For now, however, the immediate focus is on delivering the first film, which is expected to adapt the franchise’s signature mix of global-scale conflict, espionage, and visceral action.
Meanwhile, the gaming side of the franchise remains strong. The next entry, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, is set to release on November 14, 2025, across PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. Developed primarily by Treyarch, with campaign support from Raven Software, the title is expected to introduce bold new elements to the long-running series.
Do you think Spielberg’s vision would have delivered the definitive Call of Duty movie, or was Activision right to prioritize control over the adaptation?
