Gundam, the iconic franchise that launched a global phenomenon, is now in production. The live-action film starring Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo follows rival mech pilots at war across Earth and its space colonies. After years of development, Netflix has officially begun production on the first live-action adaptation of the Gundam franchise, marking a historic moment for one of anime’s most enduring properties. The project is directed by Jim Mickle and is currently filming in Queensland, Australia as of April 2026. The director, known for his work on Sweet Tooth and Cold in July, brings his signature world-building approach to this ambitious adaptation. It is being produced by Legendary Pictures in collaboration with Bandai Namco Filmworks.
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The Story and Setting
According to an official press release, the film will feature a brand-new story set in the midst of a decade-long space war. The narrative structure places Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo as rivals on opposing sides of a devastating conflict. The original storyline follows rival mech pilots battling on opposing sides of a decades-long conflict between Earth and its space colonies.
The film’s synopsis reveals deeper emotional stakes: “As shifting allegiances and a growing threat set them on a collision course for one another, they’re pulled into a high-stakes race across the stars that could define the fate of humanity. With awe-inspiring battles, intimate human emotion, and an epic cinematic scale, this is Gundam like it’s been seen before.”
Production Details
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | Jim Mickle |
| Lead Stars | Sydney Sweeney, Noah Centineo |
| Production Companies | Legendary Pictures, Bandai Namco Filmworks |
| Distributor | Netflix |
| Filming Location | Queensland, Australia |
| Production Start | April 2026 |
| Story Type | Brand New Original Story |
Mickle will produce with his partner Linda Moran through their company Nightshade, alongside Cale Boyter, Ali Mendes, Sweeney, Centineo, and Enzo Marc. Notably, both Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo serve as producers on the project, demonstrating their commitment beyond just acting roles.
The Ensemble Cast
Beyond the two leads, the film has assembled an impressive supporting cast. Other cast members include Jackson White, Shioli Kutsuna, Nonso Anozie, Javon Walton, Oleksandr Rudynskyi, Ida Brooke, Gemma Chua-Tran, and Jason Isaacs. This diverse ensemble suggests a story with global scope and multiple perspectives on the conflict.
Noah Centineo’s Perspective
Speaking about the project at CinemaCon, Noah Centineo expressed his enthusiasm for the film. Centineo has already seen some of the pre-production work and had nothing but praise for the film’s writer-director, Jim Mickle, saying, “It’s going to be huge. Jim Mickle, our director, he’s got all heart. He’s so sensitive, all heart, and he builds these wonderful massive worlds.”
Regarding his co-star Sydney Sweeney, “Sydney’s so sweet, man. She’s giving everything she’s got to this. I’m really excited to get out there and do this with her.”
Most importantly for franchise fans, Noah Centineo emphasized the production’s priorities: “In the same way that we were fan-first on Street Fighter, we’re fan-first on Gundam. That’s definitely the priority for them, so fans can expect the same level of meticulous attention to detail when it comes to respecting the property and the IP that we’ve all come to know and love.”
Franchise Background
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Franchise Origin | 1979 |
| Creator | Yoshiyuki Tomino |
| Original Series | Mobile Suit Gundam |
| Total TV Shows & Films | Over 50 across various timelines |
| Genre | Mecha, Space Opera, War Drama |
| Cultural Impact | Multi-billion dollar merchandise powerhouse |
For those unfamiliar with Gundam, it’s a long-running Japanese franchise which started with the Mobile Suit Gundam anime way back in 1979. Essentially, it’s a space opera that revolves around a devastating war between Earth and its former space colonies, fought by pilots in giant robot suits.
Why This Matters
A live action Gundam movie has been trying to get off the ground since 2018, making this production a long-awaited milestone. The franchise’s influence on global pop culture cannot be overstated. The combination of Netflix’s distribution reach, Legendary’s blockbuster experience, and the involvement of rising stars like Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo positions this as potentially the most significant anime adaptation in years.
With production now underway and a dedicated creative team committed to honoring the source material, the live-action Gundam film represents both a massive opportunity and a significant responsibility. For Sydney Sweeney, this adds another major franchise project to her rapidly expanding portfolio, while Noah Centineo continues building his action credentials following Street Fighter.
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FAQs
When will the live-action Gundam film be released?
No official release date has been announced yet, but production began in April 2026 in Australia, suggesting a potential 2027 or 2028 release window.
Is this an adaptation of a specific Gundam series?
No, the film features a brand-new original story set within the Gundam universe, not a direct adaptation of any existing anime series.
What roles do Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo play?
They play rival mech pilots fighting on opposite sides of a war between Earth and space colonies, with their characters on a collision course throughout the conflict.
Who is directing the Gundam film?
Jim Mickle, known for Sweet Tooth and Cold in July, is writing and directing the live-action adaptation.
Where can I watch the Gundam film when it releases?
The film will be distributed exclusively by Netflix as part of their partnership with Legendary Pictures and Bandai Namco Filmworks.
