On March 31, 2025, reports emerged indicating that Sydney Sweeney, known for her roles in Euphoria and Anyone but You, is in the final stages of negotiations to star in the highly anticipated Gundam live-action adaptation. This film is being jointly produced by Bandai Namco Filmworks America and Legendary Pictures.
The Gundam franchise, conceived by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Bandai Namco Filmworks, is a cornerstone of Japanese military science fiction, showcasing colossal robots, or mecha. Although its initial anime series did not achieve significant popularity, the franchise has since flourished thanks to its model kits (Gunpla), reruns, and theatrical releases, transforming into a lucrative global phenomenon.
Sydney Sweeney: A Potential Star in Jim Mickle’s Gundam Adaptation
As highlighted by Entertainment journalist Jeff Sneider in his InSneider newsletter, Sweeney’s discussions to join the Gundam film mark an exciting development for fans eager to see how this beloved franchise translates to live-action. However, with no further comments from Legendary Pictures, audiences will have to be patient as details about Sweeney’s role and the film’s direction unfold.
The inception of this live-action film was announced by Cale Boyter of Legendary Pictures and Mitsuaki Taguchi, President of Bandai Namco Holdings, during the Anime Expo in July 2018. Since then, key personnel for the project have been confirmed, leading to increasing anticipation among fans.
At the helm of this adaptation is Jim Mickle, known for his work as the showrunner of Netflix’s Sweet Tooth. Mickle will not only direct the film but will also produce it alongside his partner Linda Moran through their production company, Nightshade.
Fan Reactions to the Casting News
The announcement has generated mixed reactions from fans of the franchise. Some expressed skepticism about Hollywood’s track record with anime adaptations, citing poorly received films like Ghost in the Shell and Dragon Ball Evolution as cautionary tales. One fan articulated concerns over Sweeney’s casting, suggesting that it could tarnish the franchise’s reputation.
“Can we not? We don’t need mid. I don’t even know what Gundam is but I know that it would get tarnished if she’s in it,”one user remarked.
“Yeah because it worked so well when Scarlet Johansson played in Ghost in the Shell and let’s not forget the biggest live-action anime flop in history DB Evolution,”added another.
“Happy April fools to you too,”wrote a further user.
“Robots and beautiful girls, this is what we want!,”said another supporter.
Despite some negative feedback, there are fans who embrace the notion of Sweeney joining the cast, viewing it as a promising move that aligns with their expectations for the film. This varied response underscores the passionate discourse surrounding anime adaptations in Hollywood.