Netflix's Gears of War Movie: Everything We Know About the Delta Squad Origin Story

No specific cast members — including who might play series protagonist Marcus Fenix or his partner Dominic Santiago — have been announced yet .

Creative Team

The project has assembled a high-profile creative team:

• Director: David Leitch (John Wick, Deadpool 2, Bullet Train, The Fall Guy), who entered negotiations in May 2025 and is now firmly attached to direct and produce .
• Screenwriter: Jon Spaihts (Dune, Doctor Strange), who is handling the script .
• Producers: Leitch and his producing partner Kelly McCormick via their 87North banner, alongside The Coalition (the Canadian game studio behind the franchise) .

Production Status: Active Development

The project is moving forward but has not yet entered production. David Leitch confirmed in April 2026 that the script is in "fantastic draft" shape and that Netflix is "fully supportive" of the project . Producer Kelly McCormick stated in August 2025 that the script was "in strong shape" but still being worked on . There are no announced filming start dates, production timelines, or release dates .

The current status is best described as active development — Netflix acquired the rights in November 2022, Jon Spaihts was brought on board in early 2023, and David Leitch's attachment in May 2025 marked the project's biggest forward movement in years .

Connection to Gears of War: E-Day

The film and the upcoming game Gears of War: E-Day are thematically linked — both explore the early days of the Locust War. E-Day is a prequel set 14 years before the original game, following Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago on Emergence Day, the day the Locust Horde erupted from underground .

However, producer Kelly McCormick confirmed the movie will not release alongside the game in 2026. The hope is that the game's launch will generate "renewed buzz" that benefits the film when it eventually arrives . Gears of War: E-Day is currently scheduled for release on October 6, 2026, for Windows and Xbox Series X/S .

Netflix Deal: Movie + Adult Animated Series

Netflix acquired the Gears of War rights in November 2022, and the deal includes two distinct projects :

1. A live-action feature film (detailed above).
2. An adult-oriented animated series, also at Netflix, which is expected to follow the film's release .

This is part of a broader Microsoft/Xbox push to expand its major gaming IPs into film and television, partnering with Netflix on Gears of War while also developing other properties like Sea of Thieves into larger transmedia projects .

Release Date: No Timeline Yet

No release date has been set. The film is not expected in 2026 . Given the script is still in development and no production timeline has been announced, a release is likely several years away . David Leitch summed up the current mood in April 2026: "The studio's more determined than ever to make it. Netflix is 100% behind it. The Coalition is totally supportive. That movie will happen" .