Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo have officially started filming Netflix’s live-action Gundam movie. The streaming giant confirmed production began this week on what’s shaping up to be one of their most ambitious anime adaptations yet.
Sweeney brings serious star power to the project. The actress broke out in HBO’s Euphoria and The White Lotus before becoming a rom-com favorite with Anyone But You. Her transition into action territory with Gundam shows she’s not afraid to take risks with her career choices.
Centineo joins her as the male lead. The actor made his mark in Netflix’s To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy and has been looking for his next big franchise opportunity. Gundam could be exactly what he needs to level up his career.
For those unfamiliar, Gundam is massive in anime circles. The franchise launched in 1979 and has spawned dozens of series, movies, and video games over nearly five decades. At its core, it’s about giant robots called mobile suits and the pilots who control them in futuristic warfare.
The property has a devoted fanbase worldwide, but live-action adaptations of anime can be tricky. Netflix has had mixed results with projects like Death Note and Cowboy Bebop. Some worked better than others. The key is usually staying true to what fans love while making it accessible for newcomers.
Netflix clearly sees potential in Gundam. They’ve been investing heavily in anime content over the past few years. Original series like Castlevania and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners proved there’s appetite for mature animated content. Now they’re testing whether that translates to live-action.
Sweeney’s casting makes sense from a business perspective. She’s having a major moment right now. Her Instagram following tops 20 million, and Anyone But You proved she can open a movie. Adding her to a beloved franchise like Gundam brings built-in publicity.
Centineo’s involvement is equally smart. He’s got strong appeal with younger audiences, especially through social media. His Netflix history also shows the platform trusts him with big projects. The To All The Boys movies were genuine hits for them.
The film doesn’t have an official release date yet. Given that filming just started, fans are probably looking at late 2026 or early 2027 for a premiere. That gives Netflix plenty of time to get the effects right. Giant robot battles need serious visual effects work.
Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino hasn’t commented publicly on the adaptation yet. His blessing would mean a lot to longtime fans who worry about Hollywood changes to the source material. The original series dealt with heavy themes of war and politics alongside the mecha action.
Early fan reactions on social media are cautiously optimistic. Sweeney and Centineo both have strong followings who’ll tune in regardless. The bigger question is whether the movie can capture what makes Gundam special beyond just the robot fights.
Netflix is betting big on this one. Live-action anime adaptations don’t come cheap, especially when you factor in A-list talent and cutting-edge effects. The streaming wars mean they need content that stands out from the competition.
For Sweeney, Gundam represents a chance to show her range. She’s proven she can handle drama and comedy. Now comes action and sci-fi. If it works, she could be looking at more franchise opportunities.
Centineo faces similar stakes. His career has been somewhat Netflix-dependent so far. A successful Gundam could open doors to bigger Hollywood projects and establish him as more than just a rom-com leading man.
The project joins Netflix’s growing list of high-profile adaptations. They’re clearly committed to turning beloved properties into streaming content. Whether fans embrace this particular take remains to be seen.
Filming is expected to continue through the summer. No word yet on additional casting or plot details beyond the core premise. Netflix is keeping things under wraps for now, which probably means they want to control the rollout of information.
Gundam fans have been waiting decades for a proper live-action treatment. The franchise deserves something special. With two rising stars attached and Netflix’s resources behind it, this adaptation has the potential to be something memorable.
