According to entertainment insider Jeff Sneider, Euphoria and Anyone but You star Sydney Sweeney is close to finalizing her role in the upcoming Gundam live-action film. Produced by Bandai Namco Filmworks America and Legendary Pictures, this project marks the franchise’s first step into Hollywood adaptation, with Jim Mickle set to write and direct.
Although Legendary Pictures has not officially confirmed the casting, the report has sparked considerable discussion online. Sweeney’s potential involvement in the project has drawn both excitement and criticism, with fans debating how Hollywood casting will affect the adaptation’s authenticity and tone.
Project Details and Franchise Legacy
Announced at Anime Expo in 2018, the live-action Gundam movie has been in development for several years. Jim Mickle, best known for his work on Netflix’s Sweet Tooth, will be leading the film alongside Linda Moran through their Nightshade production company. Bandai Namco Holdings President Mitsuaki Taguchi and Legendary’s Cale Boyter were among the first to reveal the project’s development.
Sydney Sweeney is in Final talks to star in the live-action GUNDAM movie by Legendary and Bandai Namco. pic.twitter.com/ZGfKCsQxqF
— Anime News And Facts (@AniNewsAndFacts) April 1, 2025
Gundam, originally created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and produced by Sunrise (now under Bandai Namco Filmworks), began as a 1979 anime that initially struggled with ratings. However, reruns, model kits (Gunpla), and feature films helped cement its place as one of Japan’s most iconic sci-fi franchises. Its militaristic tone and complex political storytelling have kept it relevant for over four decades.
The inclusion of a prominent Western actress like Sydney Sweeney could be a strategic move to bridge Gundam’s longstanding Japanese legacy with global audiences. However, many fans remain cautious, especially considering past attempts at anime-to-Hollywood adaptations like Ghost in the Shell and Dragon Ball Evolution.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Reactions to the casting rumors have been split. While some fans are excited at the idea of Sweeney joining a major sci-fi property, others have voiced strong concerns. Critics online argue that casting well-known Hollywood actors has historically backfired in anime adaptations, leading to mismatched tones and disappointing box office results.
Still, a portion of the fanbase has remained optimistic, highlighting that Gundam’s massive scale and grounded worldbuilding may fare better than other anime brought to live-action. For them, the combination of mecha action, political intrigue, and star power could prove successful if handled with care and respect for the source material.
Until official confirmation arrives, the report remains speculative. However, the buzz surrounding Sydney Sweeney’s possible involvement proves that the Gundam live-action film is shaping up to be one of the more talked-about anime adaptations in recent memory.
