Hollywood’s fascination with giant robots and interstellar warfare is about to get a fresh injection of pop culture star power. On September 16, 2025, industry insiders and entertainment outlets began buzzing with reports that Grammy-nominated singer Benson Boone is being eyed for a major role in the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the legendary anime franchise, Mobile Suit Gundam. If cast, Boone would join the previously rumored Sydney Sweeney, making the project one of the most talked-about crossovers between music and film this year.
According to The InSneider newsletter, run by veteran scooper Jeff Sneider, Legendary Pictures is seriously considering Boone for an undisclosed part in the upcoming film. The news comes just six months after Sneider revealed that Sweeney, known for her standout roles in Anyone But You and Euphoria, was offered a staggering $7 million to play the female lead. Boone’s role, while still shrouded in secrecy, is widely speculated to involve piloting one of the franchise’s iconic giant mechs—though no official confirmation has been given.
Boone’s possible casting is more than just a celebrity cameo. This would mark his feature film debut, a significant career leap for an artist whose music has already graced soundtracks for films like Twisters and Karate Kid: Legends. As reported by Deadline and corroborated by Sneider, Boone’s transition from music to movies could signal a new era of multi-talented stars taking on blockbuster franchises.
The live-action Gundam movie has been in development limbo for several years, but recent developments have reignited fan interest. The project was first announced in 2021, with Jordan Vogt-Roberts (Kong: Skull Island) attached as director and Netflix involved as a distribution partner. Concept art teased the scale and ambition of the adaptation, but after Vogt-Roberts and Netflix parted ways, Legendary pressed on, determined to bring the beloved universe to life.
Enter Jim Mickle, the creative mind behind Netflix’s Sweet Tooth and cult favorites like Stake Land and Cold in July. Mickle is now set to write and direct the film, which is being co-developed by Legendary and Bandai Namco Filmworks. He’s also producing the project with Linda Moran through their Nightshade production company. Mickle’s experience blending character-driven storytelling with genre spectacle makes him a promising fit for a property as sprawling and complex as Gundam.
For those unfamiliar, Mobile Suit Gundam is a cornerstone of Japanese pop culture. Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Sunrise, the franchise debuted in 1979 and quickly established itself as the gold standard for the “mecha anime” genre. The original series and its many spin-offs depict a future where humanity’s expansion into space leads to epic battles between Earth and rebellious space colonies, all fought with towering robotic suits known as Gundams. Over the decades, Gundam has spawned more than 50 television series, a slew of movies, manga, novels, video games, and a merchandising empire—most notably the Gunpla model kits, which have become a staple of Japanese toy culture.
As The InSneider and other outlets note, the plot and production schedule for the live-action film remain tightly under wraps. Part of the delay is due to Sweeney’s commitment to filming Euphoria Season 3, which means cameras won’t roll until her schedule clears. Meanwhile, speculation is running wild about what storylines the movie might adapt and which characters Boone and Sweeney will portray. Given the franchise’s rich history of political intrigue, moral ambiguity, and jaw-dropping mech battles, the possibilities are nearly endless.
What’s clear, however, is that Legendary and Bandai Namco are betting big on Gundam’s global appeal. The franchise has long been seen as a gateway to anime for Western audiences, and a successful live-action adaptation could open the floodgates for more big-budget anime-to-film projects. The stakes are high, especially considering the mixed track record of previous Hollywood adaptations of Japanese properties. But with Mickle’s vision, Sweeney’s star power, and Boone’s fresh energy, the team behind Gundam seems determined to get it right.
Industry watchers have also noted the significance of Boone’s rumored involvement. While it’s not uncommon for musicians to try their hand at acting, few have made their debut in a project of this scale. Boone’s music—already featured in major films and TV shows—demonstrates his knack for connecting with diverse audiences, a quality that could translate well to the big screen. As one source put it, “Multiple sources are telling Sneider that Boone is in talks to make his feature acting debut in the film.” If he lands the part, it could mark the beginning of a new phase in his career, one that bridges the worlds of pop music and cinematic spectacle.
Meanwhile, the movie’s creative team is keeping details close to the vest. As of mid-September, both Boone’s and Sweeney’s specific roles remain unannounced. The secrecy is undoubtedly fueling fan theories and online debates about which classic characters or new faces the duo might bring to life. Some speculate Boone could play a rookie pilot thrown into the chaos of interstellar war, while others wonder if Sweeney will portray a hardened veteran or political leader. Until the studio breaks its silence, all anyone can do is guess—and wait.
Despite the uncertainty, excitement for the live-action Gundam movie is at a fever pitch. The franchise’s enduring popularity, combined with the fresh talent and experienced hands behind the camera, has set the stage for a potential blockbuster. Whether Boone’s casting is officially confirmed or not, his rumored involvement has already added a new layer of intrigue to a project that was already commanding global attention.
As the entertainment world holds its breath, all eyes are on Legendary, Bandai Namco, and the creative team to see if they can deliver an adaptation worthy of Gundam’s storied legacy. For now, fans can only speculate, debate, and dream about what’s to come in the next chapter of the mecha anime phenomenon.
