Legendary Pictures and Bandai Namco Filmworks are reigniting excitement in the mecha world with their live-action adaptation of Mobile Suit Gundam. With Jim Mickle, known for Sweet Tooth, onboard to write and direct, the project takes a fresh start, aiming to bring the iconic anime to the big screen in a new way. Originally set for Netflix under the direction of Jordan Vogt-Roberts (Kong: Skull Island), the project has pivoted, giving Mickle a blank slate as the film’s new visionary.
Though plot details remain under wraps, production is expected to kick off in early 2025. The adaptation has a major legacy to uphold, as Mobile Suit Gundam, created by Yoshiyuki Tomino, is a foundational mecha anime. Since its debut in 1979, it has captivated fans with its complex world-building, moral dilemmas, and pioneering visuals. Set in the Universal Century, the story unfolds during a fierce war between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon, a colony seeking freedom from Earth’s oppressive control.
Zeon’s power stems from their advanced mobile suits—giant, humanoid war machines piloted by elite soldiers. Amid this battle, the young protagonist Amuro Ray stumbles upon the Earth Federation’s secret weapon, the RX-78-2 Gundam, during a surprise Zeon attack on his home colony. Thrust into the conflict, Amuro squares off against Zeon’s ace pilot, Char Aznable, igniting one of anime’s most iconic rivalries.
The series doesn’t shy away from exploring the human cost of war. Both Amuro and Char experience the psychological strains of combat, driven by survival and the ideals they represent. This depth has made Gundam more than just an action series—it’s a reflection on loyalty, loss, and the consequences of violence.
For fans and newcomers alike, Mickle’s adaptation promises a unique reimagining of Mobile Suit Gundam, striving to capture its legacy while introducing fresh perspectives for a new generation.