Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan to write adaptation based on iconic franchise

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

Despite recently deciding to part ways with Paramount upon the expiration of his current deal, the studio has successfully enlisted Sheridan's services for this highly anticipated adaptation.

The gaming series has raked in over a billion dollars for studio Activision over the years. According to Deadline, filmmaker Peter Berg will co-write alongside Sheridan and also take up the director's chair.

This isn't the first time the reportedly close friends have collaborated; they previously worked together on the Oscar-nominated film Hell or High Water.

This news follows the revelation that Sheridan will let his current contract with Paramount, which focuses on running Yellowstone universe titles, expire in 2028.

He has now signed a fresh five-year deal with NBCUniversal, commencing on 1 January 2029.

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

On the other hand, Berg has a wealth of experience in action titles, having worked on American Primeval, Spenser Confidential and Battleship. The narrative, characters or premise of the upcoming Call of Duty film remain under wraps, but there are years of game titles from which to draw inspiration.

The inaugural game was launched in 2003 and was set during World War II. Since then, the franchise has given birth to multiple series including Modern Warfare, Advanced Warfare, Black Ops, with the seventh instalment, set in the near future, due to be released later this year.

In September, it was revealed that Paramount Pictures and Activision were collaborating on a live-action Call of Duty film. The companies are evidently hoping to emulate the recent success of video game adaptations such as 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 feature an entirely original plot and characters.

Rumours and reports about a potential Call of Duty film have been circulating since 2009.

The games' campaigns are renowned for their cinematic action and blockbuster-like set pieces. Consequently, Sheridan and Berg will have to meet a high standard to satisfy the player base.

The entire Yellowstone franchise can be streamed on Paramount+.