Netflix’s success with One Piece has breathed new life into the wave of live-action adaptations, proving that with the right investment and respect for the source material, these projects can succeed. However, not every anime has been so fortunate. Several titles were announced with great fanfare, stirring excitement, only to quietly vanish without a trace.
Here are 10 live-action projects that have faded into obscurity, leaving fans both disappointed and concerned.
1. Hellsing
In 2021, fans were thrilled when Amazon announced that Derek Kolstad, the writer behind the John Wick series, was developing a live-action Hellsing film. Kolstad shared, “Since my brother introduced me to the Hellsing manga and anime years ago, I’ve been obsessed with adapting it.”
Yet since that initial announcement, the project has gone completely silent. No updates on casting, release dates, or other details have surfaced, leaving many to wonder if Alucard will ever return to the big screen.
2. The Promised Neverland
Similarly, Amazon announced a live-action series adaptation of The Promised Neverland in 2020. Although a Japanese live-action film has been released, the Western-produced TV series has yet to materialize. The project was set to be written by Meghan Malloy (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse) and directed by Rodney Rothman (Forgetting Sarah Marshall).
The official social media accounts have confirmed the project is still “alive,” but no further news has emerged since.
3. Death Note
Death Note fans are familiar with multiple live-action adaptations, including Netflix’s controversial film. In 2022, Netflix announced a new Death Note TV series, this time with the Duffer Brothers (creators of Stranger Things) involved. Screenwriter Halia Abdel-Meguid was hired to craft a fresh take. However, with the final season of Stranger Things still in production, updates on this series are unlikely until that wraps up.
4. Naruto
Last year, the shonen community buzzed with news that Naruto was finally getting a live-action adaptation, with a notable creative team attached. Destin Daniel Cretton, director of Shang-Chi: Legend of the Ten Rings, announced he was working with Lionsgate on the film.
Cretton even traveled to Japan to consult with original creator Masashi Kishimoto. With Cretton busy on other Marvel projects, it may be some time before we see further progress.
5. Attack on Titan
In 2017, Warner Bros. announced a collaboration with director Andy Muschietti (The Flash, It) to develop a live-action Attack on Titan. While Japan already produced two films with different storylines, Warner Bros.’ version has faced numerous setbacks.
In 2023, Muschietti confirmed he was no longer involved, and Warner Bros. Discovery has not shared any plans for a live-action Scout Regiment return.
6. My Hero Academia
In 2022, Netflix and Legendary Pictures announced a partnership to produce a live-action series based on Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia. Joby Harold, known for Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, was tapped to write the script.
Since then, news about the series has been scarce. With the anime series nearing its conclusion, fans remain hopeful the live-action adaptation will be a welcome return to UA High.
7. Alita: Battle Angel Sequel
Although never officially confirmed, director James Cameron and producer Jon Landau have mentioned plans for a sequel to Alita: Battle Angel over the years. The first film ended with a dramatic twist, opening many possibilities for a follow-up. However, with Cameron busy on Avatar films and Robert Rodriguez, the original director, showing no signs of returning, the future of Alita’s world remains uncertain.
8. Akira
Akira is one of the most infamous examples of a live-action adaptation stuck in development hell. Earlier this year, after years of attempts, Warner Bros. announced they would let the rights expire so Kodansha could reclaim them. Director Taika Waititi was once linked to the project but it never came to fruition.
With the rights back with the original manga publisher, fans may have to wait even longer for a live-action version worthy of Katsuhiro Otomo’s masterpiece.
9. Sword Art Online
In 2017, Skydance Television announced it was developing a live-action adaptation of one of the biggest isekai series, Sword Art Online. Screenwriter Laeta Kalogridis was hired to write the script. Skydance CEO David Ellison expressed enthusiasm, but since then, the project has been dormant for years. With such an expansive world, this is an ambitious but risky endeavor.
10. One-Punch Man
Sony Pictures announced in 2020 that One-Punch Man would get a Western live-action film. Since then, some details have emerged, notably that Dan Harmon, creator of Community and Rick and Morty, is writing the script. Director Justin Lin has also been linked to the project.
However, there is still no information on release dates, production schedules, or casting. With the anime’s third season on the horizon, this might be the perfect time for Sony to share more about Saitama’s live-action adventure.
Source: Comicbook