Since the groundbreaking success of One Piece (2023) and the explosion of Avatar: The Last Airbender, adapting anime into live-action films has become a new goldmine for the film industry. Over the past three years, this trend has only grown stronger.
The year 2026 continues to see a wave of new projects like One Piece Season 2, Sakamoto Days, Viral Hit, and more. But among the many upcoming titles, here are five live-action projects that are highly anticipated to make a major impact soon.
5. Blue Lock
When it aired in 2022, Blue Lock quickly filled the void left by the volleyball hit Haikyuu! and became one of the most beloved sports anime. Despite mixed reactions to Season 2’s visuals, the franchise’s popularity remains strong. So news of a Blue Lock live-action adaptation has fans buzzing with excitement.
According to leaks, this project has quietly been in development since 2022. To ensure maximum authenticity for the intense soccer scenes, the production team consulted professional football players. Unlike the anime’s exaggerated effects, the theatrical live-action film aims for a gritty, realistic style closely tied to real life. It is set to hit Japanese theaters in August.
4. One Piece Season 3
The massive success of Seasons 1 and especially 2 this year proves Netflix has broken the live-action curse. There’s no reason for the streaming giant to stop now, and the momentum will continue to build in Season 3, where the Straw Hat crew enters the Alabasta arc to face one of the world’s most formidable forces.
Fans are most excited about the cast, especially Joe Manganiello as Crocodile. With his rugged look and intense villainous presence, he’s seen as the perfect, irreplaceable choice. Production is reportedly going smoothly, with Season 3 expected to premiere earlier than anticipated, around late 2027.
3. Naruto
Naruto is a legend and a cherished part of millions of otaku’s youth worldwide. Although the anime ended perfectly, the Hollywood live-action adaptation has been in development for a long time. Initially, many fans were skeptical, fearing another Dragon Ball: Evolution disaster.
However, recent updates have reignited hope. Instead of trying to recreate every lengthy anime episode, this project will be streamlined into a theatrical film. Notably, the director’s chair is held by Destin Daniel Cretton, who led the Marvel hit Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. With his expertise in directing top-tier martial arts scenes, he promises to deliver the most thrilling and explosive ninja battles yet.
2. My Hero Academia
At the end of 2025, Netflix shocked the internet by confirming a live-action adaptation of My Hero Academia. This decision sparked fierce controversy online, even more intense than the Naruto project, since bringing a diverse superpower world to life on screen is an enormous challenge.
Yet, looking at the team behind it, fans have every reason to be hopeful. The film will be directed by the creator of the hit survival series Alice in Borderland, paired with screenwriter Jason Fuchs, known for Wonder Woman’s success. This blend of a director skilled in intense Japanese action scenes and a writer deeply familiar with Hollywood superhero worlds promises a uniquely captivating My Hero Academia.
1. Solo Leveling
Surpassing all major shonen titles, Solo Leveling tops the list of most anticipated projects, and not because of its anime’s popularity. In fact, the original story is sometimes seen as overly one-dimensional. What makes this live-action adaptation truly exciting is its commitment to the Korean drama style.
K-dramas are beloved for their deep character development and skillful weaving of light romance alongside the main plot. The stunning cast for Solo Leveling has already been announced, promising a visually spectacular experience even before CGI effects come into play. Combining the dark leveling-up webtoon elements with the captivating storytelling style of Korean TV networks, this project is set to become a groundbreaking hit on the small screen.