For years,
the word "live-action" was synonymous with disaster in the otaku
community, but recent successful adaptations have built a great expectation for
what is to come. Studios are putting a lot more care into bringing these
beloved stories to live-action. Currently, there are several projects in
different stages of production, from initial development to finished filming.
Here we present a ranking from 7 to 1 with the productions that are generating
the most "hype" in the industry.
7.
Samurai Champloo
Tomorrow
Studios, the same team behind the hit live-action One Piece, is
taking over this Shinichiro Watanabe classic. The project is in a very early
stage of development, and while Watanabe is expected to be more involved, there
isn't much concrete information yet. While there's some risk from the studio's
previous stumble with Cowboy Bebop, fans remain cautiously
optimistic to see that unique blend of samurai action and hip-hop on screen.
6.
One-Punch Man
Sony
Pictures is developing a feature film with Justin Lin (director of Fast
& Furious) at the helm, and a script by Dan Harmon and Heather Campbell
of Rick and Morty. Although the project has been talked about for
years, it is still in very early stages. It's an ambitious gamble considering
the over-the-top action and humor of the play, but the lack of detail makes it
difficult for the hype to fully explode.
5. Solo
Leveling
"Uncle
Netflix" is bringing this popular webtoon to live-action in series format,
with directors Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo leading the way. The cast already
features Byeon Woo-seok as Sung Jinwoo, Han So-hee as Cha Hae-In, and Kang
Youseok as Yoo Jinho. Being produced in South Korea, it has a high chance of
capturing the character's brutal growth and intense action, feeling more
grounded in reality and massively boosting expectations.
4.
Mobile Suit Gundam
Netflix
joins forces with Legendary and Bandai Namco Filmworks for a film directed by
Jim Mickle. The cast includes big names like Sydney Sweeney, Noah Centineo and
Michael Mando. Production finally accelerated this year after a long time of
development. As one of the biggest franchises on the list, fans are dying to
see how they will adapt the epic battles and giant robots.
3.
Voltron
Amazon MGM
Studios has already finished recording this film that will go straight to
streaming on Prime Video. Rawson Marshall Thurber directs and writes the
project, led by a cast that includes Henry Cavill and Sterling K. Brown. Being
already in post-production, it is one of the most advanced projects on the
list. The combination of giant robots and a top-notch cast promises pure
entertainment full of energy.
2. My
Hero Academia
Legendary
and Toho have been developing this for almost a decade, but the project finally
moved forward when Netflix acquired the rights. Shunsuke Sato (Alice in
Borderland) will direct her first Hollywood project from a screenplay by
Jason Fuchs. The premise of young heroes training their powers fits perfectly
into the live-action format, and this recent progress has fans very hopeful
1.
Naruto
The
undisputed king of the "hype". Lionsgate is producing this film with
Destin Daniel Cretton (director of Spider-Man: Brand New Day) at
the helm along with writer Tasha Huo. Filming could start soon depending on his
schedule, and the project carries a monumental nostalgic weight. While there
are questions about what the designs will look like in real life, having a
proven director and the show's immense cultural impact make it the most
talked-about adaptation of the moment.
