Noah Centineo is in talks to join the cast of “Gundam,” Legendary’s live-action anime adaptation, TheWrap has learned.
If a deal is reached, Centineo would join Sydney Sweeney, who is also in talks to star in the project.
Legendary recently struck a deal for Jim Mickle to write and direct. Mickle will also produce with his partner Linda Moran through their company Nightshade.
One of the most revered anime, “Gundam”, is considered Japan’s Star Wars or Marvel universe, and is the pioneer of the mecha genre of IP. The plot is currently under wraps, but the film is expected to begin production next year.
Launched in 1979 with the popular anime television series “Mobile Suit Gundam,” the “Gundam” series is credited with popularizing the giant robot genre that continued with series like “Gurren Lagann” and “Neon Genesis Evangelion.”
Over the past thirty years, “Gundam” has produced 14 television series, as well as several spin-offs, home video films and dozens of manga and video games. “Gundam” also inspired films like Guillermo del Toro’s “Pacific Rim” and was featured prominently in the climax of Steven Spielberg’s “Ready Player One.”
The first “Mobile Suit Gundam” is set in the Universal Century, a time when humanity’s growing population has led people to emigrate to space colonies. Eventually, the inhabitants of the colonies seek autonomy and launch a war of independence against Earth.
Centineo recently completed “Street Fighter” and will next play the title role in “John Rambo,” a prequel that explores the character’s Vietnam-era origins.
Centineo is replaced by WME.
Sarah Rothman, a representative for Legendary, did not respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Nexus Point News was first to report the news.
