A Live-Action Gears of War Film is Coming to Netflix

Today marks the 16th anniversary of the Gears of War franchise. Originally developed by Epic Games, Gears of War is developed by The Coalition and has been a staple of Xbox gaming for multiple console generations. Now, a live-action film is in development at Netflix. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Netflix is developing a live-action Gears of War movie
• An animated series and live-action series could come afterward
• Netflix continues to develop film and tv shows based on gaming IPs
  

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Originally reported by the Hollywood Reporter, negotiations between Netflix and The Coalition have been ongoing for months. Netflix’s plan is to develop a feature film for the streaming platform. If it succeeds, then an adult animated series could follow, as well as a potential live-action series as well. 

Gears of War was once one of the most popular video game franchises, especially during the Xbox 360 era of consoles. In total, the Gears of War series has sold over 40 million copies to date. The post-apocalyptic series is exclusive to Xbox consoles and is considered just as important as other exclusives such as the HALO series. 

Previous plans to bring Gears of War to the big screen failed. Plans were made in 2007, 2013, and later in 2018 to develop a live-action Gears of War film or series, but nothing ever came of it. This may end up being the right time for a live-action GoW.

Netflix posted a notice on the partnership on Twitter:

Gears of War was released 16 years ago today and to mark the occasion, Netflix has partnered with The Coalition to adapt the @GearsofWar video game saga into a live action feature film, followed by an adult animated series — with the potential for more stories to follow! pic.twitter.com/3zInFSnUu4

— Netflix (@netflix) November 7, 2022

It is not Netflix’s first foray into developing gaming IPs for streaming. The studio developed a live-action The Witcher series starring Henry Cavil. It also recently released an anime series based in the Cyberpunk 2077 universe called Cyberpunk Edgerunners. A live-action assassins creed show is also in development for the streaming service.

Netflix wants to be the place where gaming IPs can exist in a live-action or animated format. Interactive Entertainment is the largest form of media, eclipsing film, TV, and music. Gaming is also filled with countless IPs that would be perfect for adapting into streaming series.

Netflix isn’t the only streaming service getting into gaming. At Amazon Studios Video, a live-action Fallout series is in development by Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan. A live-action Mass Effect is also in development as well. We also cannot forget about the live-action HALO series on Paramount+. 

Sony also has made large investments in film and TV, with a live-action The Last Of Us series coming next year. Sony is also developing its God of War, Grand Turismo, and Horizon: Zero Dawn games into tv series for streaming. 

As streaming services compete for content, dozens, if not hundreds of original IPs are ripe for development into film and TV. This competition will only be good for the consumer.