Sydney Sweeney Set to Lead Live-Action ‘Gundam’ Film

Acclaimed actress joins Legendary’s adaptation of iconic mecha franchise

Sydney Sweeney is in final negotiations to star in the upcoming live-action adaptation of the renowned Japanese mecha series, “Gundam.” The film is being developed collaboratively by Legendary Entertainment and Bandai Namco Filmworks. Jim Mickle, known for his work on “Sweet Tooth,” is set to direct and has penned the script. He will also produce alongside his partner Linda Moran under their Nightshade Productions banner.​

The “Gundam” franchise, a pioneer in the mecha genre, debuted in 1979 with the anime series “Mobile Suit Gundam.” Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Sunrise (now Bandai Namco Filmworks), it introduced audiences to giant robots called mobile suits in a militaristic setting, laying the foundation for the “real robot” subgenre. Since its inception, the franchise has expanded into over 50 TV series, films, and OVAs, as well as manga, novels, and video games. Its merchandise, particularly the Gunpla model kits, has dominated the Japanese character plastic-model market, contributing significantly to its annual revenue of ¥101.7 billion as of 2022.

Legendary Entertainment announced plans for a “Gundam” film in 2021, initially with Jordan Vogt-Roberts, director of “Kong: Skull Island,” attached to the project. The upcoming adaptation, directed by Mickle, will mark the franchise’s first live-action feature.​

Sydney Sweeney has recently garnered attention for her roles in the horror film “Immaculate” and Ron Howard’s thriller “Eden,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Her upcoming projects include Apple’s thriller “Echo Valley,” set to premiere on June 13, an untitled biopic on boxer Christy Martin, the third season of “Euphoria,” Lionsgate’s “The Housemaid,” and Colman Domingo’s “Scandalous!”