Gears of War: Netflix sets Dune screenwriter Jon Spaihts to pen the action-packed adaptation

Jon Spaihts (Dune: Part One & Two) is ready to go to war, Gears of War! The Oscar-nominated writer is gassing up his Lancer Assault Rifle for Netflix’s anticipated adaptation of the beloved Xbox game franchise as part of a widespread campaign to level up the property for mass appeal. In addition to the Gears of War movie, Netflix is partnering with The Coalition to produce an adult animated series and other projects based on the video game property.

The original Gears of War trilogy focuses on a war between humanity and the subterranean reptilian hominids known as the Locust Horde in Sera. As the battle rages on, other factions, including the Horde’s mutated counterparts, the Lambent, enter the fray. With bodies piling up on all sides, parts of the world become little more than a smoldering crater amidst a war-torn wasteland.

Those with memories longer than mine will recall that this isn’t the first time Gears of War was set to head to screens. Back in 2007, New Line Cinema snagged up the rights to make a Gears of War movie with Len Wiseman (Live Free Or Die Hard) set to take on directing duties, but after several years in development hell, New Line had to let go of the Gears of War property. After Wiseman’s adaptation took a Lancer to the chest, Universal picked up the rights with Microsoft along for the wild ride. Universal’s version also died, leaving GOW in the wind for another day.

Since the adaptation’s announcement in November, Glass Onion and Knock at the Cabin star Dave Bautista has voiced his interest in starring in the project. It only took Bautista a few days to express his desire to go against the Horde for Netflix’s upcoming adaptation, and fans of the franchise are down for his involvement.

“I can’t make this any easier,” Bautista said in a Twitter post in November. The post includes a video of the actor suiting up in official Gears of War armor, saying, “It’s about fucking time,” referring to the opportunity to star in a proper Gears of War live-action adaptation.

I can’t make this any easier. @gearsofwar @netflix #marcusfenix #GearsofWar pic.twitter.com/SzDpiT2rNA

— Dave Bautista (@DaveBautista) November 10, 2022

Spaihts is a hell of a catch for Netflix’s Gears of War film. His work on Denis Villeneuve’s Dune sent fans of the sci-fi franchise into a frenzy upon the film’s release, with everyone and their grandmother anticipating the sequel later this year.

What do you think about Spaihts penning Netflix’s Gears of War movie? Will Bautista star in the upcoming adaptation? Feel free to let us know what you think in the comments below.