Sydney Sweeney Nears Deal to Star in Live-Action Gundam Film

Sydney Sweeney, known for her roles in HBO's "Euphoria," "The White Lotus," and the recent "Madame Web," is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations to star in the upcoming live-action adaptation of the iconic anime and toy franchise, "Mobile Suit Gundam." This project, which has yet to receive an official title, entered production in February, with Bandai Namco and Legendary Entertainment co-financing the film.

The movie is set to be both written and directed by Kim Mickle, known for her work on "Sweet Tooth." While specific details about the plot and Sweeney's character remain undisclosed, the film is slated for a global theatrical release. A teaser poster has been released, hinting at the excitement surrounding the project.

Gundam movie teaser poster.

Variety first reported on Sweeney's involvement with the "Gundam" film, sparking interest among fans eager to see how the beloved series will translate to the big screen. Sweeney's diverse portfolio, including her recent venture into producing a movie based on a horror story from a Reddit thread, showcases her versatility and rising star power in the industry.

Sydney Sweeney looks set to star in the Gundam movie. Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Vanity Fair.

Legendary and Bandai Namco have expressed their commitment to providing updates as details are finalized. "Mobile Suit Gundam," which first aired in 1979, revolutionized the genre of 'real robot anime' by offering nuanced portrayals of war, intricate scientific details, and complex human dramas, treating robots as 'weapons' known as 'mobile suits.' This approach led to a significant cultural impact and widespread popularity.

As anticipation builds for this live-action adaptation, fans and newcomers alike await further announcements about the film's progress and Sweeney's role in bringing this legendary franchise to life on the big screen.