Villain Is Confirmed to Return In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare IV

Activision hasn’t officially confirmed the next Call of Duty title that will release this year. However, according to various rumors and leaks, it will be Call of Duty: Modern Warfare IV, developed by Infinity Ward. The latest report seemingly confirms the return of a familiar character from the previous Modern Warfare installments.

As spotted by Call of Duty content creator, ModenasHD, Warren Kole, who played Commander Phillip Graves in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, has recently posted on his Instagram that he was doing some behind the scenes content – which is seemingly to be Call of Duty: Modern Warfare IV. Thus, we have our first confirmed character for the upcoming new Call of Duty entry from Infinity Ward.

“The Shadow Company will return in the MW4 Campaign.

Warren Kole, the actor behind Philip Graves posted a mysterious picture yesterday on Instagram. This is actually a "behind the scenes" from MW4 set to release later this year.

It's happening...”

As mentioned by an X user, the return of Phillip Graves means the return of Shadow Company as well—an elite private military faction known as a mercenary group working for General Shepard. At this point, Activision and Infinity Ward haven't announced the new Call of Duty game and haven't revealed its details, so this report should still be considered with a grain of salt.

According to previous rumors, the story campaign of Modern Warfare IV will be available via early access, like its predecessor, Modern Warfare 3. There is also information about focus and support for DMZ mode from developers and the release date that is currently planned for October 2026. We also know that Peter Berg (Hancock, Battleship, and Mile 22) will be the director of Call of Duty movie adaptation, set to premiere on June 30, 2028.

Are you excited to see the return of Phillip Graves in Call of Duty IV: Modern Warfare? Share your thoughts in the comments below!