Netflix’ Gears of War scores Dune writer Jon Spaihts

I just wanna see my Queen Myrrah

The Netflix adaptation of Epic Games’ blockbuster series Gears of War is now entering its pre-production phase, having scored Academy Award-nominated writer Jon Spaihts to pen its grim tale of the down-and-dirty conflict between the dwindling human race and the ruthless, subterranean Locust.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Jon and the Netflix team to bring Gears of War to life,” stated developer The Coalition in comments to Variety. “Jon is a master storyteller with a talent for creating epic, science-fiction universes, and he truly loves Gears of War. We couldn’t ask for a better partner to honor our franchise and deliver an authentic story to our fans.”

Spaihts is no stranger to dark dystopias, having penned the 2021 adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune, alongside director Denis Villeneuve and co-writer Eric Roth, a role which saw Spaights up for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2022 Academy Awards. Alongside Dune, Spaihts also wrote Doctor Strange (2016) for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as Alien spin-off Prometheus (2012). Along with the Gears of War gig, Spaihts also resumed work alongside Villeneuve for Dune: Part Two, which will premiere in November of this year.

Netflix’ partnership with Gears developer The Coalition is expected to result in the initial live-action feature, to be followed by an animated series and further unannounced projects. This latest endeavor is the closest the sci-fi/action series has come to a live-action adaptation, following on from years and years of repeated attempts to bring the world of The COG and The Locust to the screen. Gears of War has a deceptively deep story and universe. Correctly executed, a big (or small) screen version of the original trilogy could be a genuine televisual event.

Netflix’s Gears of War Movie Taps Dune and Doctor Strange Writer Jon Spaihts [Variety]