What universe is the Call of Duty movie set in? Director confirms Modern Warfare setting

Paramount Pictures and Activision have officially pulled back the curtain on the setting for the upcoming live-action Call of Duty feature film. Director and co-writer Peter Berg confirmed during the Fanatics Fest in New York City that the blockbuster adaptation will take place in the iconic Modern Warfare universe. Written alongside Yellowstone and Sicario creator Taylor Sheridan, the film is scheduled for a theatrical release on June 30, 2028, intentionally landing on the 25th anniversary of the video game franchise. The announcement lands alongside hype for Infinity Ward’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, which launches on October 23, 2026.

Key Film & Franchise Information

• Movie Title: Call of Duty (Working Title)
• Production Studios: Paramount Pictures, Skydance Media, Activision Blizzard / Microsoft Gaming
• Director: Peter Berg (Lone Survivor, Deepwater Horizon)
• Screenwriters: Taylor Sheridan (Sicario, Yellowstone), Peter Berg
• Setting: Modern Warfare Sub-Series
• Theatrical Release Date: June 30, 2028
• Official Franchise Portal: Track video game and media news on the Official Call of Duty Website.
• Official Social Media Directory: Follow development updates directly on the Official Call of Duty X Account.
• Official Studio Portal: Read corporate announcements via the Official Paramount Pictures Portal.

Why Is the Call of Duty Movie Set in the Modern Warfare Universe?

Choosing the Modern Warfare setting anchors the film adaptation in the most recognizable and successful storyline in Activision’s two-decade history. Originally breaking away from the World War II era in 2007 with Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, the sub-series redefined contemporary tactical shooters with grounded spec-ops combat and memorable character arcs.

The grounded, realistic nature of modern military operations matches the signature writing style of Taylor Sheridan. Known for high-tension thrillers like Sicario and Wind River, Sheridan’s storytelling aligns with the gritty, cinematic tone that made Modern Warfare famous.

Paramount CEO David Ellison noted that the studio is bringing a strict commitment to quality, comparing the production standards of the military actioner to Top Gun: Maverick.

Who Is Directing and Writing the Live-Action Call of Duty Movie?

The project brings together prominent action filmmakers with proven track records in realistic combat storytelling:

• Peter Berg (Director / Co-Writer): Directed critically acclaimed real-world military thrillers including Lone Survivor and Deepwater Horizon, as well as directing live-action promotional trailers for previous Call of Duty game launches.
• Taylor Sheridan (Co-Writer): Academy Award nominated screenwriter behind Sicario, Hell or High Water, and the hit television drama Yellowstone.
• David Ellison (Producer): Skydance Media founder and CEO of Paramount, leading the production team alongside senior leads at Microsoft Gaming.

Will Captain Price and Task Force 141 Appear in the Film?

While exact plot points and official casting announcements remain under wraps, setting the film in the Modern Warfare universe opens the door for iconic characters like Captain John Price, Simon “Ghost” Riley, and John “Soap” MacTavish. The agreement between Paramount and Activision also establishes the foundation for an expanded cinematic universe, with potential television spin-offs should the feature film succeed at the box office.