David Leitch, the action-savvy director behind The Fall Guy, is reportedly in talks to direct Gears of War, a major Netflix project based on the acclaimed Xbox video game franchise. Known for his high-octane filmmaking style, Leitch is poised to bring his experience to the big-budget adaptation. The project marks a significant move by Netflix as it looks to expand its footprint in the video game-to-screen space, signaling confidence in the widespread appeal of Gears of War.
Jon Spaihts Joins Gears of War Team for Bold, Sci-Fi Action Adaptation
The script is being penned by Jon Spaihts, best known for co-writing Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Dune. Spaihts brings a strong background in large-scale sci-fi, which aligns well with Gears of War’s dark and gritty futuristic setting. The project is a collaboration between Netflix and The Coalition Studio, the Canadian developer currently overseeing the Gears franchise. Leitch will produce the film alongside his wife and producing partner, Kelly McCormick, through their 87North banner, along with The Coalition.
David Leitch in Talks to Direct Netflix’s Gears of War Film as Franchise Ambitions GrowThe narrative of Gears of War is set on a war-torn planet facing collapse due to an invasion by monstrous subterranean creatures known as the Locust. At the heart of the story is Delta Squad, a group of hardened soldiers led by disgraced Sergeant Marcus Fenix. Their mission becomes humanity’s final stand against extinction. The game’s intense combat and emotional stakes offer rich material for cinematic adaptation.
Netflix Eyes Expansive Franchise Plans for Gears of War and Beyond
Netflix secured the rights to the Gears of War franchise in November 2022 and has ambitious plans beyond just a feature film. The streaming giant intends to launch an adult animated series following the live-action movie and is eyeing additional content should the project succeed. This strategy echoes Netflix’s broader push to establish multimedia franchises based on beloved video games.
Leitch, who began his career as a stunt coordinator, has steadily built a diverse filmography while remaining rooted in action. From the meta-Hollywood tone of The Fall Guy to the stylish violence of Bullet Train and Atomic Blonde, his work demonstrates both range and a consistent visual flair. He is currently prepping How to Rob a Bank for Amazon MGM, with Nicholas Hoult and Anna Sawai set to star. Leitch is represented by CAA and Johnson Shapiro, and continues to be a major force in action cinema.