Anime Expo guests received a huge surprise in the form of a new Gundam project. As opposed to another new series, however, a live-action Gundam film was announced and will be co-produced by Legendary Entertainment and the Japanese animation studio Sunrise.
Possibly the most renowned anime that features giant mech suits and galactic military warfare, Mobile Suit Gundam began in 1979 and has shaped the mecha genre of anime since its debut. Despite its popularity, details on the upcoming film’s plot have been sparse, but details from the beloved series give a general outline of what audiences can expect.
Set in the Universal Century, rapid growth in the Earth’s population has caused citizens to seek out refuge on space colonies. In typical sci-fi fashion, these space colonies soon want their independence and separate identities, sparking a revolutionary war with Earth. As a more realistic depiction of futuristic warfare, loyalties are tested and deception comes to light on both sides of the battlefield, and each battle continues to shape the course of this bloody era.
With over 20 movies, this is the first attempt to bring this anime classic to the realm of live-action and will be overseen by Cale Boyter. Legendary has also tried their hand in adapting popular anime to live-action with the upcoming Detective Pikachu film starring Ryan Reynolds as a talking, crime-solving Pikachu.
There’s no word on a release date for the live-action Gundam film, but it’s sure to be a massive adventure.
