Stefano Sollima appears to be a big fan of Tom Hardy and Chris Pine’s work, possibly putting them in contention for Call of Duty. In order to draw a significant amount of interest from audiences, there’s several factors that can help put a movie over the top. One of the biggest is using an existing and popular IP to help the project come in with an established fan base. Studios have been trying to use video games to do just that for years, and Call of Duty could now be getting off the ground with Sollima reported to be in talks.

If the deal does close, Call of Duty is still early in the developmental process. There’s currently a script from Kieran Fitzgerald, but no stars are attached. While the studio is certainly expecting the name brand to sell tickets, attaching a few big names would go a long way. In some cases, directors will pull in actors who they’ve already developed a working relationship with. In others, they can use a project to establish those connections, something Sollima is hoping to do with a few big names.

Metro UK spoke to Sollima and during the conversation, he revealed that he’s a huge fan of both Tom Hardy and Chris Pine. While these responses were not directly in relation to whether or not he wants them for Call of Duty, the way he talks about the duo certainly sounds as though they’d be on his personal wish list for his next project. Speaking specifically about Hardy’s career, Sollima said:

The Venom trailer didn’t win over everyone, but for Sollima, it is the draw of Hardy that has him intrigued. Transitioning to his interest in Pine, he again had high praise:

I mean, I like almost everything [he’s been in]. I’m waiting for his Venom. Even in Mad Max, he was great.

Even if this expressed interest isn’t in regards to Call of Duty, its hardly a surprise that Sollima considers Hardy and Pine to be top tier talent and wants to work with them. Hardy continues to be one of the industry’s best performers, and finds a way to attach himself to multiple projects that are unique. Pine meanwhile is fresh off of Wonder Woman, but also possibly his best role in Hell or High Water.

He’s tough, but he’s smart and he can have a sense of humor but he can [also] be in such a dramatic role. I like when you feel that an actor can play with different nuances and tone because this means they’re a good actor.

Now, if Sollima’s interest in Hardy and Pine does come into play for Call of Duty, they would be a great leading duo. The two actually starred together before in This Means War, but that was a romantic comedy, not a violent action flick like Call of Duty should be. Them pairing back up for this project would certainly give it some big star power. However, Hardy is already attached to the film adaptation of Splinter Cell (if that ever happens), so he may be weary of another franchise. Pine has likewise been hesitant to sign onto more franchises. Both could be tough to get, but if Sollima could get his wish and get at least one, Call of Duty could end up with a great director/actor pairing.

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Call of Duty is currently in development but does not have a release date.

Source: Metro UK