Peter Berg announced as director of Call of Duty film, but with a controversial past

The film adaptation of the popular video game franchise Call of Duty is slated for 2028, with Peter Berg set to direct. Activision confirmed earlier this month that Berg, known for films like Battleship and Spenser Confidential, is leading the project.

Peter Berg’s controversial comments

Berg’s appointment comes with some controversy. In a 2013 interview with Esquire, he took aim at gamers, especially players of military shooters like Call of Duty and Battlefield. Berg described those gamers as “pathetic” and “weak,” and said he would only give military personnel a pass for playing the games. “The only people I give a Call of Duty get-out-of-jail-free card to are military personnel,” Berg said.

Berg’s remarks were notably harsh at the time. He dismissed hours of gaming as “keyboard courage” and argued that people who play video games should go outside and do something more useful. Those comments have resurfaced often in recent years, especially now that he is in charge of a film based on a game he once criticized so strongly.

The development of the Call of Duty film

The Call of Duty film has been in development for years. The franchise has already seen several media adaptations, but this project stands out as the first time a major budget has been attached to a Call of Duty movie. Berg’s experience with action and war themes in earlier films may have convinced the studio he was the right person for the job, despite his past.

Reactions from the gaming community

Reactions to Berg’s appointment have been mixed. Some Call of Duty fans are excited about the film’s potential, while others say the choice of Berg could be a misstep. The gaming community has often criticized how video games are portrayed in movies, and Berg’s earlier comments have added a new layer to the debate.

Still, Activision appears committed to Berg, possibly hoping his film experience can help take the project to the next level.

The next few years will be crucial for the film’s development and production. Given the history of video game adaptations and fan expectations, it remains to be seen how Berg will navigate his contradictory past in this role.