After nearly fifty years, the iconic anime series "Gundam" is set to receive a live-action movie adaptation, with Noah Centineo (known for "The Recruit") confirmed to star. Centineo recently shared insights into the highly anticipated film, just days before its production commences in Australia. During an interview with Collider's Steve Weintraub at CinemaCon, where Centineo was promoting his upcoming video game adaptation, "Street Fighter," he revealed his imminent travel to Australia to begin filming.

Centineo expressed immense praise for the film's writer-director, Jim Mickle ("Sweet Tooth"), after witnessing pre-production work. He described the project as "huge," highlighting Mickle's heartfelt approach and ability to construct "massive worlds." He elaborated, "I've seen some of the previs, and I've seen what he's trying to do and looking to do, and it's very exciting." Co-starring alongside Centineo is Sydney Sweeney, who is currently acclaimed for her role in "Euphoria." While specific roles for either actor remain undisclosed, they are slated to play the leads in the film. Centineo commended Sweeney's dedication, stating, "Sydney’s so sweet, man. She's giving everything she's got to this. I'm really excited to get out there and do this with her. I think it's going to be lovely. We have such a phenomenal ensemble around this, as well."

Addressing long-time fans of the "Gundam" franchise, Centineo assured them that the film would honor the property. The "Gundam" universe, initiated by Yoshiyuki Tomino in 1979 with "Mobile Suit Gundam," revolves around a war between Earth and its breakaway space colonies, primarily fought using the distinctive Gundam mechanical mobile suits. This seminal series has spawned numerous spin-offs, sequels, reboots, and a thriving community of model kit enthusiasts. Centineo, though not a lifelong fervent follower, emphasized the production's "fan-first" philosophy, akin to their approach with "Street Fighter." He noted that for Legendary, who is producing both films, respecting the "property and the IP that we've all come to know and love" is paramount, ensuring "meticulous attention to detail."

Centineo also provided details about the "Street Fighter" adaptation, where he embodies Ken Masters. The film sees Ken partnering with Ryu (Andrew Koji) to compete in a martial arts tournament organized by the dictatorial M. Bison (David Dastmalchian). The ensemble cast includes Cody Rhodes as American patriot Guile, Jason Momoa as the monstrous Blanka, 50 Cent as boxer Balrog, Callina Liang as Interpol agent Chun-Li, and Orville Peck as the masked Vega, among others. Directed by Kitao Sakurai, who co-wrote the script with T.J. Fixman, "Street Fighter" is slated for a theatrical release on October 16. The "Gundam" film will also feature Michael Mando ("Better Call Saul," "Spider-Man: Brand New Day") and is set to be distributed by Netflix, though its release date has not yet been announced.