The long-awaited live-action Mobile Suit Gundam movie is finally getting underway. After years of development changes and creative shifts, the project has officially entered production under the partnership of Legendary Entertainment, Bandai Namco Filmworks, and Netflix. For fans of this franchise, we have compiled everything that has emerged so far about the Gundam movie for those eager to catch mecha action on the big screen.
Gundam Movie Release Date
As of the writing of this article, a specific cinema or streaming release date for the Gundam movie has not yet been finalized. However, Legendary and Netflix have officially announced that principal photography for the film began on April 20, 2026, in Queensland, Australia.
Considering the massive amount of post-production and visual effects required to bring the large Mobile Suits to life, it is a reasonable estimate that the release window will be late 2027 or early 2028. The Gundam movie is expected to premiere globally on Netflix, but Legendary may take on theatrical distribution in certain regions (especially Japan).
Is There a Trailer for the Gundam Movie?
Currently, there is no official trailer for the live-action Gundam movie. Since cameras have just begun shooting, fans will have to wait for the completion of filming, which is likely to be around late 2026.
So far, the only visual material released for the Gundam movie is high-level concept art that offers a dark and atmospheric look at a mecha inspired by the classic RX-78-2, standing amidst fire and debris. The "first look" image may premiere at a major event later this year, such as Comic-Con or Netflix's Tudum.
Gundam Movie Cast
The production of the Gundam movie has assembled a high-profile cast led by two of Hollywood's most popular stars right now. While character names like Amuro Ray or Char Aznable have not yet been confirmed, the cast indicates a global scope. Here is the complete list of all confirmed cast members for the film:
- Sydney Sweeney
- Noah Centineo
- Jason Isaacs
- Jackson White
- Javon “Wanna” Walton
- Michael Mando
- Gemma Chua-Tran
- Shioli Kutsuna
- Nonso Anozie
- Ida Brooke
- Oleksandr Rudynskyi
Who is Directing the Gundam Movie? Gundam Team List
Jim Mickle serves as the director of the live-action Gundam movie. When original director Jordan Vogt-Roberts, known for Kong: Skull Island, departed from the project, Netflix decided to hire a new creative team. Besides Jim Mickle, the film also has a full cast and crew as follows:
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Jim Mickle |
| Writers | Jim Mickle – screenplay Yoshiyuki Tomino – creator and based on the series Hajime Yatate – based on the series |
| Producers | Noah Centineo – producer Enzo Marc – producer Jim Mickle – producer Linda Moran – producer Cale Boyter – executive producer Yoshiyuki Tomino – executive producer Bryan Chojnowski – co-producer Brian Avery Galligan – co-producer |
| Cast | Sydney Sweeney Noah Centineo Jason Isaacs Jackson White Javon “Wanna” Walton Michael Mando Gemma Chua-Tran Shioli Kutsuna Nonso Anozie Ida Brooke Oleksandr Rudynskyi |
| Production Design | Russell Barnes Beth Mickle |
| Art Directors | Rory Bruen – supervising art director David Valencia – art director |
| Costume Designer | Christine Bieselin Clark |
| Production Management | Dominic Koletes – Post Production Executive |
| Assistant Director | Brian Avery Galligan – first assistant director |
| Art Department | Jasin Boland – photographer Mike Ciprian – Senior grip/lead technician |
| Special Effects | Kelly Ferguson – pre-production coordinator Tony Watt – special effects technician |
| Visual Effects | Matt Bauer – Visualization Supervisor Callum Donovan – junior capture technician Jordan Nounnan – visualization artist |
| Cinematography and Electric Department | Jasin Boland – photographer Mike Ciprian – Senior grip / lead technician |
| Costume and Wardrobe Department | Deirdre Brennan – ceo: screen aus Grainne Brunsdon – coo: screen aus Julie Eckersley – executive director, screen content: screen queensland Tanye Ellen – content manager: screen queensland Jacqui Feeney – ceo: screen queensland Louise Gough – narrative content director: screen aus |
| Location Management | Tom Woods – location researcher UK |
| Legal | Eric W. Thompson – production legal services |
| Production Department | Danielle Andrews – assistant production coordinator |
| Extra Crew | Deirdre Brennan – ceo: screen aus Grainne Brunsdon – coo: screen aus Julie Eckersley – executive director, screen content: screen queensland Tanye Ellen – content manager: screen queensland Jacqui Feeney – ceo: screen queensland Louise Gough – narrative content director: screen aus |
Jim Mickle has not yet encountered a big-budget blockbuster like the Gundam movie. However, the director has delivered a successful performance by writing projects like Cold in July, which presents compelling human dramas that are one of the core elements of the Gundam franchise. With Bandai Namco closely involved in the adaptation, it seems that fans of the franchise can expect a faithful adaptation of the beloved anime.
What Will the Story of the Gundam Movie Be?
Since the film has just begun production, very little is known about the story of the Gundam movie. However, Netflix has described the film as “a completely new, original story” instead of a direct remake of the 1979 anime. However, it seems that the film will stay true to the franchise's core themes of political intrigue and the horrors of war.
The official summary for the Gundam movie: "The story follows rival mech pilots on opposing sides in a decade-long war between Earth and former space colonies. Changing allegiances and rising threats propel them into a high-stakes race that could determine the fate of humanity."
While the production is using the working title "Teardrop," the story seems to lean towards the theme of "star-filled rivals." The film may draw inspiration from the tension seen in Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team.
What would you like to see in the live-action Gundam movie? Are there specific storylines you want to see adapted? Share with us in the comments below!
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