Looks like the writer will be working with Paramount for a little longer

The mastermind behind the smash-hit series Yellowstone, Taylor Sheridan, is gearing up to pen a new movie based on the billion-dollar video game franchise, Call of Duty.

Despite his recent decision to part ways with Paramount after his current contract expires, the studio has managed to rope in Sheridan to craft the script for the much-anticipated Call of Duty film adaptation.

This movie will be the eagerly awaited adaptation of the gaming series that has raked in over a billion dollars for Activision.

Deadline reports that Sheridan will be teaming up with filmmaker Peter Berg for this project. Berg will co-write the script with Sheridan and also take on the director’s role.

This isn’t the first time these two reputedly close friends have collaborated. They previously worked together on the Oscar-nominated film Hell or High Water, which earned nods for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay for Sheridan, reports the Mirror.

This news follows the revelation that Sheridan plans to let his current contract with Paramount, which focuses on overseeing Yellowstone universe titles, run out in 2028. The writer has now signed a fresh five-year deal with NBCUniversal, set to commence on January 1, 2029, which is reported could be worth $1 billion.

Sheridan, 55, who started his career in film and television as an actor with roles in popular shows like Sons of Anarchy, continues to enthrall audiences with his Paramount productions. His portfolio includes hits such as Mayor of Kingstown, Lioness, Tulsa King, and Landman, and he’s currently working on several Yellowstone universe spin-offs, including The Dutton Ranch, The Madison, and Y: Marshals.

On the other hand, Berg is known for his work on action-packed titles like American Primeval, Spenser Confidential, and Battleship. While it’s still unclear what storyline or characters the Call of Duty movie will feature, there are years’ worth of game titles to draw inspiration from.

The first game, released in 2003, was set during World War II. Since then, the franchise has expanded to include multiple series such as Modern Warfare, Advanced Warfare, and Black Ops.

The seventh installment, set in the near future, is slated for release later this year. In September, it was revealed that Paramount Pictures and Activision were collaborating on a live-action Call of Duty movie. The companies are evidently hoping to replicate the recent success of video game adaptations like the Super Mario Bros Movie, A Minecraft Movie, and The Last of Us HBO series.

Fans will have to wait to find out what time period the film’s story will be set in. It could potentially feature an entirely original story and characters.

Rumors and reports about a possible Call of Duty movie have been circulating since 2009.

The games’ campaigns are renowned for their movie-like action and blockbuster set pieces. Therefore, Sheridan and Berg will have to meet high expectations to please the gaming community.