Reacher Star Alan Ritchson wants to star in a Call of Duty movie

Alan Ritchson, the familiar face behind iconic roles like Aquaman in Smallville and Jack Reacher in Reacher, has thrown his hat into the ring regarding the upcoming Call of Duty film, sparking some surprisingly candid thoughts about video game adaptations.

When asked about his favorite gaming experiences, Ritchson admitted that Call of Duty holds the top spot. But it wasn’t just a casual preference; when pressed about starring in a cinematic adaptation, he offered a spirited response, suggesting he would be interested if the story was right.

His perspective on video game movies is refreshingly pragmatic. He conceded that the genre has a temperamental history regarding critical and commercial success, pointing out notable flops like the 2024 Borderlands movie. However, he noted that massive hits exist—from The Super Mario Bros. Movie to Five Nights at Freddy’s and Minecraft.

Ritchson posited a clear rule for success: adaptations thrive when they are made directly for kids or prioritize fun and self-awareness. “If you make it for kids first, or it’s fun… or self-aware, they tend to work,” he explained. He concluded that movies that take themselves too seriously often stumble, emphasizing the need for the material to simply be ready to have a good time.

When discussing the Call of Duty cinematic universe, Ritchson pushed for a specific element: Zombies. He believes these elements represent the absolute best part of the franchise. While the movie is set in the Modern Warfare universe—a setting not typically associated with the Zombies mode—he clearly felt that Hollywood is open to any creative possibility.

The production details hint at a blockbuster experience, with the film slated to be directed by Peter Berg of Lone Survivor and penned by Taylor Sheridan of Sicario. Paramount is handling the production duties.

Meanwhile, the gaming world is buzzing with updates for the franchise. The next installment, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, is slated for release this October. Furthermore, players can test out the action in a free multiplayer beta taking place throughout August.