It has been an exciting journey of over four decades since the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise burst onto the scene, captivating audiences with its groundbreaking take on the militaristic mecha anime genre. As the franchise continues to expand its dynamic universe, fans can now look forward to the addition of its very first live-action film. This highly anticipated project, which was officially announced in 2018, has recently received a significant boost with the news that production has officially commenced, as reported by GamesRadar+. The renowned production company behind Dune, Legendary Entertainment, is set to co-produce and co-finance this film alongside Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc., promising an exciting collaboration.
The partnership between these two powerhouse companies was solidified at the close of January, and the details are now being shared with the public. Bandai Namco Filmworks America, a newly announced subsidiary of Bandai Namco, will take the lead in overseeing the production and distribution of the Gundam film outside Japan. Their goal is to significantly enhance the series? ?brand value.? Furthermore, the North American subsidiary is poised to officially launch operations on April 1, 2025, indicating a strategic move to bolster the franchise’s presence in international markets.
Conceived by the talented Yoshiyuki Tomino, the Gundam franchise has achieved international acclaim, boasting a rich tapestry of animated series, feature films, and an incredibly successful line of plastic model kits. By the year 2000, the franchise had amassed over $5 billion in retail sales, showcasing its monumental popularity. In 2022, annual revenue soared to ?101.7 billion, with nearly half attributed to the retail sales of toys and hobby items. It’s noteworthy that as of March 2020, the franchise is fully owned by Bandai Namco Holdings, operating through its subsidiaries Sotsu and Sunrise, which further solidifies its strong market position.
Exciting Developments in the Live-Action GUNDAM Project
While the details surrounding this thrilling live-action project remain largely under wraps, including specifics about its storyline and anticipated release date, it has been assigned a tentative title: GUNDAM. Since its initial announcement at the 2018 Anime Expo, the project has undergone several notable transformations, including changes in directors and a shift away from Netflix as a production partner. Initially, Brian K. Vaughan was brought on board to write and serve as an executive producer, but in April 2021, the project was secured by Netflix with Jordan Vogt-Roberts slated to direct. However, in a surprising turn of events, the project parted ways with Netflix in October 2024, leading to the hiring of a new director and writer, Sweet Tooth showrunner Jim Mickle, who will now take the reins.
Currently, GUNDAM does not have a confirmed release date, but fans are encouraged to stay updated with Collider for the latest information on this exciting cinematic venture. The anticipation surrounding this project continues to grow, as it promises to bring the beloved franchise to life in a whole new way.
