David Leitch is set to direct the upcoming Netflix film adaptation of “Gears of War,” one of the most popular video game franchises on the Xbox platform. Leitch, known for directing action-packed films such as Deadpool 2 and Bullet Train, will collaborate with his wife and producing partner Kelly McCormick through their 87North production company. The project is being developed in partnership with The Coalition, the Canadian game developer behind the original series.
Netflix secured the rights to the “Gears of War” franchise in November 2022, with ambitions to first launch the property as a feature film followed by an adult animated series. If successful, Netflix plans to expand the franchise further.
The story is set on a planet on the brink of societal collapse, threatened by a subterranean species called the Locusts, which push humanity to the edge of extinction. The narrative centers on Delta Squad, an elite fireteam led by the notorious Sergeant Marcus Fenix, tasked with leading humanity’s last stand.
David Leitch has built a solid reputation in the action genre after transitioning from a stunt coordinator to a director. His recent works include Bullet Train, starring Brad Pitt, and John Wick collaborator Ryan Gosling’s The Gray Man. Leitch is also preparing Amazon MGM’s heist thriller How to Rob a Bank, featuring Nicholas Hoult and Anya Taylor-Joy.
The screenplay for “Gears of War” is being written by Jon Spaihts, who also worked alongside Denis Villeneuve on the Dune film adaptations produced by Legendary Pictures.
Netflix declined to comment on the deal. The company’s partnership with The Coalition aims to bring the immersive gaming experience to the big screen, blending intense action with a gripping sci-fi narrative.
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