Top Call of Duty Short Films Directed by Peter Berg for Activision Blizzard

Activision and Paramount Pictures’ highly anticipated live-action Call of Duty film has taken a significant step forward with the confirmation of its creative leadership. Director Peter Berg, known for his work on action films like Lone Survivor and Deepwater Horizon, will helm the project, while Taylor Sheridan, creator of the hit series Yellowstone, will co-write the screenplay. The announcement, verified by Activision and reported by Deadline, marks a key milestone in the film’s development, which was first announced in September 2025.

Berg’s History with the Call of Duty Franchise

Peter Berg’s involvement with the Call of Duty franchise predates the upcoming feature film. The director has previously worked on two short films for Activision Blizzard, the publisher behind the popular video game series. In 2012, Berg directed Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3: The Vet & The n00b, a live-action short film released as part of the marketing campaign for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. The two-minute film starred actors Sam Worthington and Jonah Hill, blending humor and action to appeal to both veteran players and newcomers to the franchise.

Berg’s second contribution to the franchise came in 2014 with Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare: Discover Your Power, a short film starring Taylor Kitsch and Emily Ratajkowski. The film served as a promotional tie-in for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, showcasing the game’s futuristic setting and high-stakes action. These prior projects demonstrate Berg’s familiarity with the Call of Duty universe, which may inform his approach to the upcoming feature film.

Creative Vision and Collaborative History

Berg and Sheridan’s collaboration on the Call of Duty film builds on their previous work together. The duo co-wrote and produced the 2016 film Hell or High Water, a critically acclaimed crime thriller, and later teamed up again for the 2017 film Wind River. Sheridan’s writing credits also include Sicario, a film that has had a notable influence on the Call of Duty franchise. The 2023 reboot of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II drew inspiration from Sicario’s tense, realistic portrayal of modern warfare, particularly in its narrative tone and visual style.

Berg’s directorial style, characterized by high-energy action sequences and a focus on character-driven storytelling, aligns with the Call of Duty franchise’s emphasis on immersive combat and emotional stakes. His experience directing films like Lone Survivor, which depicted real-life military operations, suggests he may bring a similar level of authenticity to the Call of Duty film. Meanwhile, Sheridan’s background in crafting gripping, dialogue-driven narratives could help shape a screenplay that balances action with deeper thematic elements.

Development Timeline and Industry Context

The Call of Duty film has been in development for over a decade, with Activision first filing a trademark for a movie adaptation in 2009. However, progress stalled for years, with former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick expressing skepticism about the project in 2013. Kotick cautioned that movies based on video games often failed to meet fan expectations and could risk damaging the franchise’s reputation. Despite these concerns, Activision revisited the idea in recent years, culminating in the September 2025 deal with Paramount Pictures.

Paramount CEO David Ellison described the film as a “passion project,” signaling the studio’s commitment to delivering a high-quality adaptation. The involvement of Berg and Sheridan, both established figures in Hollywood, further underscores the project’s ambition. However, the film’s creative direction remains under wraps, including whether it will draw from a specific game in the franchise or present an original story. The Call of Duty series spans multiple eras, from World War II to near-future conflicts, leaving the filmmakers with a broad canvas for storytelling.

The next major installment in the Call of Duty video game series, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, is set for release in November 2026. The timing of the film’s development suggests it may be positioned to capitalize on renewed interest in the franchise, though no official release date has been announced.

Challenges and Expectations

Adapting a video game franchise as expansive and beloved as Call of Duty presents unique challenges. The series boasts a dedicated fanbase with high expectations for authenticity, particularly in its portrayal of military themes and gameplay mechanics. Berg’s previous work with the franchise, including the 2012 and 2014 short films, suggests he understands the importance of balancing fan service with cinematic storytelling. However, the transition from short-form promotional content to a full-length feature will require a more nuanced approach to character development and narrative depth.

Another potential hurdle is the franchise’s complex history of portraying war and conflict. The Call of Duty games have often been praised for their immersive gameplay but criticized for their depiction of violence and geopolitical narratives. A live-action adaptation will need to navigate these sensitivities carefully, particularly in an era where audiences and critics are increasingly attuned to the ethical implications of war-themed entertainment. Berg and Sheridan’s collaborative history suggests they may approach these themes with a critical eye, but the film’s ultimate tone and message remain to be seen.

Industry observers will also be watching how the film aligns with broader trends in video game adaptations. While recent projects like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Sonic the Hedgehog have achieved commercial success, others have struggled to capture the essence of their source material. The Call of Duty film’s success may hinge on its ability to appeal to both fans of the games and general audiences, a balance that few video game adaptations have managed to strike.

What’s Next for the Call of Duty Film

With Berg and Sheridan officially attached, the next steps for the Call of Duty film will likely involve finalizing the screenplay and assembling the cast. Given the franchise’s global popularity, the film is expected to feature a mix of established stars and rising talent, though no casting announcements have been made. The production timeline also remains unclear, as does the film’s potential release date. However, the involvement of high-profile creatives suggests Paramount and Activision are aiming for a polished, high-budget production.

The film’s development also comes at a time of significant change for both Activision and Paramount. Activision, now a subsidiary of Microsoft following a landmark acquisition, is navigating the integration of its properties into the broader Xbox ecosystem. Meanwhile, Paramount has undergone a recent leadership transition, with Skydance acquiring the studio in 2025. These shifts could influence the film’s creative direction and marketing strategy, particularly as both companies seek to leverage the Call of Duty brand for broader entertainment initiatives.

For fans of the Call of Duty franchise, the film represents an opportunity to experience the series’ signature action and storytelling in a new medium. While details about the plot and setting remain scarce, Berg and Sheridan’s track record suggests a project that balances spectacle with substance. As development progresses, the film’s ability to honor the games’ legacy while carving out its own identity will be closely watched.