In exciting Sydney Sweeney news, the Euphoria and The White Lotus breakout star has been tapped to lead the upcoming Netflix Gundam film—a high-stakes, live-action adaptation of the iconic Japanese mecha franchise. The project, developed by Legendary Entertainment in partnership with Sunrise, marks a bold new chapter for both the anime property and Sydney Sweeney’s film career.
Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts (Kong: Skull Island), the Gundam live-action movie is expected to debut in 2026 on Netflix.
A Major Move for Sydney Sweeney
This new role positions the Emmy-nominated actress at the center of one of the most ambitious anime adaptations to date. While the exact character Sweeney will portray remains under wraps, her involvement hints at a fresh narrative twist designed to bridge longtime Gundam fans and newcomers alike.
This casting also fuels buzz around the Sydney Sweeney new movie lineup, as the actress continues to balance blockbuster potential with prestige performances.
Production and Creative Team
The Gundam project is being produced by Legendary Entertainment in collaboration with Sunrise Inc., the Japanese animation studio behind the original franchise.
Brian K. Vaughan, acclaimed writer of Saga and Y: The Last Man, is handling the screenplay and will also serve as an executive producer—bringing both sci-fi credibility and narrative depth to the project.
With Netflix distributing the film globally, Gundam is positioned to reach massive international audiences, potentially launching a new universe within the streaming giant’s expanding genre slate.
Director’s Vision for Gundam
Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts is no stranger to large-scale world-building. His work on Kong: Skull Island proved his knack for dynamic action sequences and visually immersive storytelling.
Speaking about the adaptation, Vogt-Roberts emphasized the importance of honoring Gundam’s legacy while reimagining it for modern cinema:
“We want to respect the source material deeply, while opening doors for a new generation to fall in love with what Gundam stands for—war, politics, identity, and the human cost of conflict.”
What to Expect from the Netflix Gundam Film
Originally debuting in 1979 with Mobile Suit Gundam, the franchise has spanned dozens of series, movies, and spin-offs. At its core, Gundam is a saga about giant mobile suits piloted by humans in politically divided, war-torn futures.
The live-action film is expected to blend mecha warfare, emotional storytelling, and character-driven arcs—with Sweeney’s character likely serving as the emotional entry point into the universe.
Release Outlook
The Netflix Gundam film is currently in pre-production and is slated for a 2026 release. No additional cast members have been announced yet, but filming is expected to begin later this year.
With Sydney Sweeney now officially on board, anticipation is high for what could be one of the most ambitious anime adaptations ever attempted in Hollywood.
The casting of Sydney Sweeney in the upcoming Gundam live-action film underscores her rapid ascent in the industry—and Netflix’s commitment to bringing globally loved properties to Western audiences.
For fans of both Sydney Sweeney films and the Gundam universe, this collaboration could be the best of both worlds.
