The upcoming Call of Duty film aims to be more than just an action spectacle, with director Peter Berg emphasizing its focus on the profound effects of war. Berg, known for his work on films like "Lone Survivor" and "Battleship," stated that the movie will explore the "consequence of war" and the "cost of having to be a warrior."
In an interview, Berg clarified that the film will not be a simple "shoot-'em-up" experience. "There’s a soul underneath it," he explained, highlighting that both he and Call of Duty's co-writer and producer Taylor Sheridan understand the deeper themes within the franchise. While acknowledging the presence of action and violence inherent to the Call of Duty universe, Berg stressed that the core of the film will examine the weight and burden carried by soldiers.
The film will draw from the Modern Warfare series, featuring iconic characters such as Captain Price, Soap, Ghost, and Alex. Berg described these characters as "complicated humans" with "nuanced storylines," suggesting a departure from what he termed "cartoon characters or comic books." He elaborated that the game's underlying themes reflect the cost of war and the responsibility of those who place themselves in danger to protect others.
Scheduled for release on June 30, 2028, the Call of Duty film's timing aligns with Activision's release cadence for its games. This strategic placement may allow for comparisons with future installments of the Call of Duty franchise, such as the recently released Modern Warfare 4 and the anticipated Black Ops titles.