Netflix Secures Live-Action Gundam Film Distribution; Centineo and Sweeney Reportedly Cast

Netflix has officially secured the distribution rights for Legendary Entertainment’s live-action Gundam movie. This project, a collaboration between Legendary Pictures and Bandai Namco Filmworks, finally confirms a streaming home after years spent navigating development.

Industry buzz also points to Noah Centineo and Sydney Sweeney as the leads for the film, which is currently operating under the working title GUNDAM. Jim Mickle, known for directing Netflix’s Sweet Tooth, is attached to write and direct the feature.

While plot specifics remain under wraps, sources indicate the story will draw heavily from the Universal Century timeline, the classic setup involving humanity spread across space colonies and massive mechs locked in warfare. There are strong suggestions the narrative may take inspiration from Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team, focusing on more grounded, gritty combat scenarios set in Southeast Asia.

Centineo is reportedly positioned as a rival and love interest within the Earth Federation ranks. Sweeney’s name surfaced in casting rumors back in March 2025, reportedly slotted to play a Zeon pilot.

Mickle is producing through his Nightshade banner alongside Linda Moran. Centineo also takes a producer credit alongside Enzo Marc. The film’s development history traces back to 2021, when Jordan Vogt-Roberts was attached to direct and Brian K. Vaughan was scripting before the project transitioned to Mickle.

This deal represents the franchise’s major international live-action push. Bandai Namco and Legendary finalized their agreement back in January 2025 to bring Gundam to a global audience. The original Mobile Suit Gundam debuted in 1979, created by Yoshiyuki Tomino at Nippon Sunrise. It has since expanded into a multimedia empire spanning 25 TV series and 34 films. Neither Netflix nor Legendary has issued an official statement on the casting or production status at the time of reporting.