The director behind The Fall Guy is in discussions to helm Netflix’s Gears of War film.

The Hollywood Reporter revealed that David Leitch, known for directing Atomic Blonde (2017), Deadpool 2 (2018), Hobbs & Shaw (2019), and Bullet Train (2022), is negotiating to direct the adaptation of Microsoft’s intense third-person action game, Gears of War.

Leitch and Kelly McCormick are set to produce alongside The Coalition, the game’s developer. Jon Spaihts, writer of Dune, is reportedly crafting the screenplay.

Two and a half years after Netflix acquired the rights to Gears of War, progress is gaining momentum. An adult animated series is also reportedly in development, set to follow the film. Success could pave the way for more Gears projects.

The key question remains: who will portray Marcus Fenix, the iconic Gears protagonist? Actor and former wrestler Dave Bautista has repeatedly expressed his strong desire to take on the role, earning an endorsement from Gears co-creator Cliff Bleszinski.

Video game adaptations are thriving, with hits like The Super Mario Bros. Movie, A Minecraft Movie, and the Sonic films setting box office records. Other successes include the Uncharted film, the Mortal Kombat movie, and Resident Evil adaptations.

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In March, Microsoft gaming head Phil Spencer noted that the underwhelming Halo TV series did not deter the company from pursuing more adaptations. Lessons learned from Halo and Fallout have bolstered Microsoft’s confidence in this space, Spencer explained.

“We’re growing and learning through this journey, which fuels our belief that we should keep going,” Spencer said.

“Our experiences with Halo and Fallout have been invaluable. While some projects may not hit the mark, I want the Xbox community to know that more is coming as we gain confidence and refine our approach.”

Meanwhile, The Coalition is developing Gears of War: E-Day, a prequel without a confirmed release date.