Jim Mickle to Write and Direct Live-Action Gundam Film

In an exciting development for fans of the iconic Gundam franchise, Deadline reported on October 31, 2024, that Jim Mickle, known for his work on the Netflix series Sweet Tooth, will be writing and directing a live-action Gundam film. The project, a collaboration between Sunrise and Legendary Pictures, aims to commence production in early 2025, with Mickle producing alongside his partner Linda Moran through their Nightshade company.

Background and Creative Team

The live-action Gundam film has been in the works for several years, initially announced with Jordan Vogt-Roberts, director of Kong: Skull Island, set to direct and executive produce. Comic book author Brian K. Vaughan, celebrated for works like Y: The Last Man and Ex Machina, was previously attached to write the script. The production team also included notable figures like Mary Parent, vice chair of Worldwide Production for Legendary, and Naohiroshi Ogata from Sunrise.

The project was first unveiled at Anime Expo in July 2018, where Bandai Namco Holdings president Mitsuaki Taguchi and Cale Boyter from Legendary discussed the adaptation. The creative journey took a significant turn following a revelation by Robert Napton, the current Senior Vice President of Publishing for Legendary Comics. At a Project Anime presentation in March 2019, he noted that a cameo of Gundam Unicorn in Pacific Rim: Uprising helped pave the way for fruitful discussions between Sunrise and Legendary.

Development Timeline

Since the project’s inception, there have been several shifts in the creative team and direction. After years of speculation, the announcement in late October 2024 solidifies the commitment to bringing Gundam to the big screen. The initial tease of a related project, Mobile Suit Gundam UC2, was introduced at the "Gundam Franchise's New Work Unveiling" event in April 2018. However, that particular initiative was quickly downplayed by the event's speakers.

Future Outlook

As anticipation builds for the live-action film, fans are eager to see how Mickle will interpret the beloved mecha franchise. The involvement of Netflix for global streaming further underscores the project's potential to reach a wide audience, and the previous sharing of concept art indicates that the creative team is committed to visual authenticity.

While the film's storyline remains under wraps, the blend of Mickle’s storytelling prowess and the rich lore of Gundam promises an exciting cinematic experience. With production slated to begin in early 2025, this project is poised to become a significant entry in the live-action adaptation landscape. Fans around the world will undoubtedly be watching closely as this beloved franchise makes its transition to live-action.