Peter Berg’s Past Criticism of Gamers Resurfaces as He Directs ‘Call of Duty’ Movie

Peter Berg is set to direct the upcoming ‘Call of Duty’ movie, but his previous remarks about gamers are gaining renewed attention.

In a 2013 interview with Esquire, Berg expressed strong views on individuals who play war video games. While promoting his film work and discussing culture, he did not hold back when asked about games like ‘Call of Duty’. “Pathetic. Pathetic. Keyboard courage. Can’t stand it,” he stated.

He elaborated further, saying that he only granted a ‘Call of Duty’ get-out-of-jail-free card to the military, expressing disapproval of younger players. “Kids? Uh-uh.”

When asked if real soldiers engage with these games, his response was blunt. “Some of them do. But I tell them I think it’s pathetic,” he remarked. He also criticized long gaming sessions, stating, “I think anyone that sits around playing video games for four hours… It’s weak. Get out, do something.”

These comments, made over a decade ago, are resurfacing as Berg prepares to helm one of the biggest video game adaptations. The film is being developed by Paramount Pictures and Activision, and is anticipated to be a significant release.

At a recent CinemaCon event, Berg shared insights about the film, mentioning his collaboration with writer Taylor Sheridan and a focus on realism. “Taylor and I are both deeply connected to the special ops community,” he noted, emphasizing the aim to portray soldiers’ experiences authentically while delivering large-scale action.

Details about the movie remain scarce, with the story, characters, and setting yet to be disclosed. It’s also uncertain whether it will tie into a specific version of the game series or present an entirely new narrative.

For now, the most discussed aspect is the contrast between Berg’s past comments and his current role. With the film still years away, there’s ample opportunity for him to address those old statements, especially as fans continue to highlight them.

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