PUBG Is Becoming a Netflix Series: Donald Glover to Play the Lead Role

The next video game adaptation is taking shape at Netflix: The streaming service is working on a live-action series based on "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds", better known as "PUBG." And according to Variety, none other than Donald Glover is set to take on the lead role.

Glover will co-write the scripts with his brother Stephen Glover and serve as an executive producer. The actor also plans to take the director's chair himself. The two brothers already have impressive careers behind them. They gained wider recognition with the FX series "Atlanta". Stephen Glover also served as a writer on Donald Glover's series adaptation of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith".

Here's what we can expect from the PUBG series

"PUBG" was originally released in 2017 by the South Korean company Krafton. The premise of the game is quite simple: a large number of players spawn on a map and fight for survival using weapons, vehicles, and other tools. As the playable area shrinks, players are gradually eliminated until only one player or one team remains at the end.

What the series' story might look like is still completely up in the air. Unlike other games that have been adapted for film and television in the past, the battle royale hit doesn't have a traditional plot. However, a story focusing on individual participants in this deadly competition is conceivable. Similar to Kinji Fukasaku's "Battle Royale" or the "Hunger Games" films. With the Glover brothers behind the scenes, we can also expect a healthy dose of humor to be part of the mix. A release date has not yet been announced.

More Video Game Adaptations in the Works at Netflix

Assassin's Creed

However, "PUBG" isn't the only video game adaptation the streaming giant is currently working on. In July 2025, KinoCheck reported that a live-action series based on "Assassin's Creed" is also in the works. Swedish filmmaker Johan Renck, who gained international recognition primarily for his work on "Chernobyl", is set to direct. The cast is already impressive: Toby Wallace, known from "Euphoria", and Lola Petticrew have been confirmed for the lead roles. The ensemble is rounded out by Zachary Hart and Laura Marcus. Details about their roles, however, are being kept under wraps for now.

"Assassin's Creed" centers on a secret conflict between two rival factions that has been raging for centuries. While one faction seeks to control the future of humanity through manipulation, the other is uncompromisingly committed to preserving free will. The characters will be guided through various pivotal moments in history, illustrating how their covert war influences the course of humanity. As things stand, the series is set to premiere in 2027.

Gears of War

In addition, a live-action adaptation of "Gears of War", directed by David Leitch, is currently in development. The screenplay for the planned feature film was written by Jon Spaihts, who has already made a name for himself in the world of sci-fi and fantasy cinema with his work on "Dune" and "Doctor Strange". "Gears of War" is set on the fictional planet Sera, which is on the brink of societal collapse following political crises and resource wars. But the real horror begins with the emergence of the Locust – monstrous, subterranean creatures that launch a brutal surprise war against humanity. At the center of the story is Delta Squad, an elite unit led by the rough-edged but charismatic ex-sergeant Marcus Fenix, who spearheads the desperate fight for survival.

New Animated Series

In the animation sector, on the other hand, projects based on "Clash of Clans" and "Minecraft" are currently in the works. These follow in the footsteps of series such as "Splinter Cell: Deathwatch", "Arcane", and "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners", which are currently available to watch on Netflix.