Men's Lifestyle April 24, 2026 0 Comments

Why Netflix’s Gears of War Movie Delay Could Be the Game-Changer Fans Never Saw Coming

Can you believe it’s been almost two decades since Gears of War first stormed onto the scene like a beast unleashed? This game didn’t just arrive—it carved out a dark, gritty universe that blended war drama with horror in a way that still resonates deeply with fans today. Since its Xbox 360 debut in 2006, the franchise has grown, with sequels like Gears 5 pushing the boundaries of storytelling and action. Now, after years of anticipation, Hollywood is gearing up to bring this epic saga to the big screen, helmed by none other than David Leitch, known for his work on Deadpool 2 and The Fall Guy. But here’s the kicker—it’s not just about cashing in on a popular game. The folks producing Gears of War are laser-focused on honoring the rich emotional core and tension-filled world fans cherish, taking their time to get every detail just right. With video game adaptations now a serious trend, this could be the perfect storm for Gears to finally claim its cinematic throne. Ready to dive deeper into what’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated movie projects? LEARN MORE

3 min read

It was twenty long years ago when Gears of War emerged like a monster. The third-person action-horror shooter series launched on the Xbox 360 in November 2006 and has since released multiple sequels, most recently Gears 5 in 2019. A movie has been in development since 2007, and in 2025, it was announced that Deadpool 2 and The Fall Guy director David Leitch will be at the helm.

It’ll be another long while before we hear more about Gears of War, however. Why? As Leitch’s co-producer Kelly McCormick of 87North tells us exclusively, it’s because they care about “getting it right.”

For the new movie Over Your Dead Body, we got in touch with McCormick at 87North Productions over email. When we asked about any updates regarding Gears of War, McCormick said the project is proceeding with extreme focus on the characters and the universe. There is obvious franchise potential in Gears of War, and 87North is keenly aware of the work necessary to pull it off.

McCormick tells us:

Gears of War is a title we have enormous respect for, and we know how much it means to fans around the world. It’s a rich universe with incredible scale, emotion, mythology, and action, so our focus has always been on getting it right rather than rushing it.

The project is moving well, and we’re writing diligently right now. That stage is so important, especially with something like Gears, because you’re not just adapting a game—you’re building a cinematic experience that honors what people love while also standing on its own as a great film. We’re spending the time to make sure the characters, the world-building, and the story are all there in a meaningful way.

Gears of War fans know that the series isn’t just another dark and gritty shoot ‘em up. It’s a war story mixed with monster horror; think Clive Barker meets Saving Private Ryan or Black Hawk Down. Set on the Earth-like planet Sera, Gears of War imagines humanity relying on a valuable orange-gold liquid called Imulsion for energy.

Only weeks after Sera’s two biggest factions—the Coalition of Ordered Governments (COG) and Union of Independent Republics—agree to an armistice, out comes the Locust Horde, a race of subterranean monsters with their own military and hierarchy. The Locust quickly wear out the already spent human forces.

The first game takes place 14 years after Emergence Day, or “E-Day.” It follows COG soldier Marcus Fenix, who is brought out of military imprisonment to refill ranks and aid in a last-ditch mission to end the war for good. In Gears 5, players assume control of Kait Diaz, a rebel turned COG soldier who searches for the origins of the Locust Horde.

McCormick highlights the series’s signature dark and somber tone, akin to many other war pictures. The first game’s memorable teaser trailer, directed by Joseph Kosinski, is iconic to the franchise and helped set it apart from its adrenaline-fueled contemporaries in modern gaming.

This tone is a key element the filmmakers are relying on, says McCormick:

What excites us most is that at its core, Gears of War isn’t only spectacle. It’s about brotherhood, sacrifice, survival, and humor in the face of impossible odds. Those human elements are what make the franchise endure, and they’re what we’re leaning into as we shape the movie. Obviously, it’s still early enough that I can’t say too much, but everyone involved is deeply committed and working hard. We know the responsibility that comes with a title like that, and we’re approaching it with a lot of care and ambition.

Without a cast, plot synopsis, or even a release date, Gears of War lies in wait at 87North, waiting to surface. But with video game adaptations now all the rage in Hollywood, “soon” is as good a time as any.