By Hamza | Digital Nomad Diary | May 20, 2025

Netflix’s long-awaited live-action adaptation of Gears of War is finally moving forward, and it has officially secured a powerhouse director. David Leitch, the acclaimed action filmmaker behind Deadpool 2, Bullet Train, and Atomic Blonde, has signed on to helm the ambitious project. Leitch, known for his dynamic action sequences and stylish storytelling, brings years of blockbuster experience to the adaptation of the beloved video game series. His involvement marks a major breakthrough for the film, which has faced numerous development setbacks since its initial announcement in 2007.

A Long Road to the Screen

Originally developed by New Line Cinema with Underworld director Len Wiseman attached, the Gears of War movie project has switched studios and creative teams multiple times. Universal took over in 2016, bringing screenwriter Shane Salerno (Armageddon, Savages) on board, but the adaptation continued to stall.

Netflix breathed new life into the franchise in 2022 by acquiring the rights and committing to a multi-format adaptation, including a live-action feature film and an adult animated series, with more stories potentially in the pipeline.

Script in Place, Production Delayed

The streamer hired screenwriter Jon Spaihts (Dune, Doctor Strange) in March 2023 to pen the film’s screenplay. Speaking on the project, Spaihts said:

“Gears of War is one of the all-time great action games, with vivid characters, a beautifully designed world, and a combat system that drives home the lethality of war and the importance of standing by your squadmates. It wants to be cinema, and I’m thrilled to help make that happen.”

However, fans will need to remain patient. Leitch is currently directing How to Rob a Bank for Amazon MGM, with a theatrical release scheduled for September 4, 2026. As a result, Gears of War likely won’t begin full-scale production until after that project wraps.

What to Expect from Gears of War

The Gears of War franchise, launched by Epic Games and now owned by Xbox Game Studios, is set on the war-torn planet of Sera. Humanity faces annihilation at the hands of the subterranean Locust Horde. The story follows Delta Squad, led by the iconic Marcus Fenix, as they battle to save what’s left of civilization.

With five mainline games and several spin-offs, the franchise has sold over 40 million copies worldwide. The upcoming sixth installment, Gears of War: E-Day, is a prequel set 14 years before the original game and explores the early days of the Locust War.

Final Thoughts

With a visionary director, a veteran screenwriter, and Netflix’s backing, the Gears of War live-action film may finally break free from development hell. While production delays are expected, the project now has all the key pieces in place to bring the legendary Xbox series to life.