Sydney Sweeney’s Gundam Movie Casts Noah Centineo in Key Live-action Role

The long-awaited live-action Gundam adaptation is finally building momentum, and the latest casting news brings another familiar face to the project. As the global mecha franchise prepares for its biggest Hollywood leap yet, Gundam has added actor Noah Centineo alongside Sydney Sweeney in what is shaping up to be one of Legendary Pictures’ most ambitious films.

Since the debut of Mobile Suit Gundam in 1979, the franchise has grown into a multimedia powerhouse with more than 50 anime series, countless model kits, novels, video games, and a passionate worldwide fanbase. Now, the iconic story of space colonies, political rebellion, and massive Gundam mechas is gearing up for a live-action revival — with Sweeney leading the charge.

Noah Centineo Joins the Gundam Cast

The Hollywood Reporter confirms that Noah Centineo is now in talks to join the upcoming film. Centineo is known for his roles in Black Adam, the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before franchise, and his upcoming portrayals in Street Fighter and the John Rambo prequel, where he’ll play a young Rambo.

While his Gundam role remains a secret, sources say he will likely play the romantic counterpart to Sydney Sweeney — a pair of star-crossed lovers caught on opposite sides of an interstellar conflict. The film is expected to embrace a “Romeo and Juliet in space” dynamic set against a backdrop of war and divided space colonies.

A Long Road to Bringing Gundam to Live-Action

Hollywood has been trying to adapt Gundam for years. Development began in 2018 when Legendary Pictures and Sunrise tapped Brian K. Vaughn to write the script. Netflix later acquired the project in 2021, with Kong: Skull Island director Jordan Vogt-Roberts attached.

But after Netflix exited the project in 2024, director Jim Minkle stepped in — and the film moved forward under Legendary. It’s still unclear whether the final release will come through Paramount Skydance, Legendary’s new distribution partner.

Sweeney’s Casting and Recent Controversy

Sydney Sweeney’s involvement was initially seen as a strategic win for the production when she entered talks in April 2025. But the actress has faced a challenging year. Her recent films — Eden, Echo Valley, and Christy — all underperformed at the box office. Additionally, her American Eagle Outfitters campaign stirred backlash over an unintended “great jeans” pun that critics interpreted as referencing eugenics, sparking viral controversy.

Still, Sweeney remains one of Hollywood’s most talked-about stars, and Gundam could be the major franchise role she needs to regain momentum.

Centineo’s Career on the Rise

Although Black Adam under-delivered, Noah Centineo’s career trajectory remains upward. Legendary Pictures was reportedly impressed with his upcoming portrayal of Ken in their Street Fighter movie, leading to confidence in casting him for Gundam.

Years ago, he was nearly the lead in Masters of the Universe as He-Man before departing the project in 2021. But Gundam could be the franchise turn he’s been waiting for — one that positions him as a blockbuster leading man.

Can Gundam Become Hollywood’s Next Major Sci-Fi Franchise?

If executed well, Gundam has the potential to become the next big global sci-fi franchise. The story already has a massive fanbase, decades of lore, and rich political themes that translate well to live-action.

For Centineo, it could be a career-defining leap — and for Sydney Sweeney, a much-needed box-office comeback. With production finally accelerating, fans may soon see one of anime’s biggest legacies brought to life on the big screen.