Activision is taking pointers from Marvel for its ‘Call of Duty’ movie blitz

By Steven Petite Published April 5, 2017

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Activision wants its upcoming string of Call of Duty films to have a Marvel Cinematic Universe vibe.

Speaking with The Guardian, Activision Blizzard Studios co-president Nick van Dyk claimed that the movies will not be literal adaptations of the games, but they will keep the high-octane aesthetics the series is known for. “It’s a much more broad and inclusive, global in scope … a big, tentpole Marvel-esque movie,” he said.

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Van Dyk knows a thing or two about the Marvel universe, which could help make this goal into reality. He was previously a senior executive at Disney who worked on both Marvel and Star Wars projects.

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The “cinematic universe” sentiments line up with what was said in 2015 when the proposed series of Call of Duty films were revealed. Only now we know that Activision seems to be using the Marvel model as a guideline.

The films and potential television properties will include “individual universes that interconnect and a timeline that makes sense with consistent themes and Easter eggs,” similar to the structure of Marvel’s films.

In the new interview, van Dyk and fellow co-president Stacey Sher claimed that multiple scripts have already been written.

“There’ll be a film that feels more like Black Ops, the story behind the story. The Modern Warfare series looks at what it’s like to fight a war with the eyes of the world on you. And then maybe something that is more of a hybrid, where you are looking at private, covert operations, while a public operation is going on,” Sher said.

Sher brings extensive experience with successful films to the table as well. She served as a producer on a trio of Quentin Tarantino films: Pulp Fiction, Django Unchained, and The Hateful Eight.

A currently unknown “many” number of films have been plotted, with the first expected to hit theaters in 2018. As for a television series, the duo said that Activision is looking at World War II or Vietnam-based stories.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Steven is a writer from Northeast Ohio currently based in Louisiana. He writes about video games and books, and consumes…

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The best Perk-A-Colas in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

A screenshot from Call of Duty: Black Ops 6's zombies mode.

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Best Perk-A-Colas in Black Ops 6

We're ranking these Perk-A-Colas based on their base bonuses, not any additional effects you can get if you Augment them, from best to worst.
Jugger-Nog
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Quick Revive
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Speed Cola
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Stamin-Up
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Deadshot Daiquiri
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PhD Flopper
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Elemental Pop
When Elemental Pop works, it's great. The problem with it is that you can't rely on it. It gives a small chance on every shot you take to add a random ammo mod effect, which is cool but impractical. If you have spare Essence on you, sure, it won't hurt you to have, but it isn't something that will turn the tide for you or your team.
Melee Macchiato
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Soldier holding weapon in Modern Warfare II.

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