'Call of Duty' Movie to Explore 'The Cost of War,' Says Director Peter Berg

Director Peter Berg has revealed that the forthcoming "Call of Duty" movie, with a script by Taylor Sheridan, will focus on the profound and often difficult aspects of modern warfare, aiming to explore "the cost of war."

Set for release on June 30, 2028, the film is expected to bring a serious and gritty tone, consistent with the established reputations of both Berg, known for "Lone Survivor," and Sheridan, creator of the "Sicario" franchise and "Yellowstone."

Berg described the characters within the "Modern Warfare" universe, such as Captain Price and Ghost, as complex individuals rather than simple archetypes. "These are very nuanced storylines; like, there’s a real soul to the Modern Warfare universe," Berg explained in an interview with ComicBook.com. "And, yes, there’s violence, and there’s hardware, and equipment, and there’s killing — but underneath it I think the game, and the craters of the game, are really looking at the cost of war, the cost of having to be a warrior who’s, for whatever reason, chosen to put himself between real danger and the rest of us, and the burden that these guys carry."

He emphasized that the project is not intended as a purely action-oriented popcorn flick but will delve into the consequences of conflict and the weight carried by those who serve. Berg likened the film's thematic depth to his recent project "The Mosquito Bowl," though he noted the "Call of Duty" movie will not be as graphically violent. The title for the film, Berg hinted, is "Duty."

The collaboration between Berg and Sheridan is generating anticipation due to their shared history of crafting intense and character-driven narratives. Sheridan's involvement in penning the script suggests a focus on realism and the human element within the high-stakes scenarios typical of the "Call of Duty" franchise.