The phrase “live-action anime adaptation” has long been a nightmare for hardcore fans, often sparking dread whenever mentioned. However, after the massive success of Netflix’s One Piece, that stigma is starting to fade. Major Hollywood studios and top Asian production houses are now investing billions into these projects with unprecedented seriousness.
Today, let’s take a look at seven live-action anime adaptations currently in production.
7. Samurai Champloo
Tomorrow Studios, the team behind One Piece’s success but also the painful failure of Cowboy Bebop, is determined to make a comeback. This time, they’re adapting another classic by director Shinichiro Watanabe: Samurai Champloo.
The good news is Watanabe will be more closely involved in production to ensure the unique blend of hip-hop and swordplay remains intact. The project is still in early development, but with lessons learned from Cowboy Bebop, fans can hope to see authentic live-action portrayals of Mugen and Jin.
6. One-Punch Man
Sony Pictures’ live-action film about “Saitama the Caped Baldy” is perhaps the most nerve-wracking project for fans. Despite director Justin Lin (Fast & Furious) and a writer from Rick and Morty being attached, updates have been scarce since early 2020.
Adapting a satirical, over-the-top action anime like One-Punch Man into live-action is a huge challenge. The project still feels distant, but fans remain curious about who will be cast as Saitama.
5. Solo Leveling
Unlike the Hollywood trend, the Solo Leveling live-action adaptation is being developed in South Korea. Following the anime’s huge success, the project is gaining momentum under directors Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo.
The stellar cast includes Byeon Woo-seok as Sung Jinwoo, Han So-hee as Cha Hae-In, and Kang Youseok as Yoo Jinho. With Korea’s strength in visual effects and fantasy action films, this might be the most promising project on the list.
4. Mobile Suit Gundam
Netflix is going big by bringing the iconic mecha series Mobile Suit Gundam to the big screen. This project is a collaboration between Legendary and Bandai Namco, with production officially starting this spring.
Director Jim Mickle (Sweet Tooth) is at the helm, with stars Sydney Sweeney, Noah Centineo, and Michael Mando attached. Having seen Gundam’s cool presence in Ready Player One, expectations for epic giant robot battles in this standalone film are sky-high.
3. Voltron
Amazon MGM Studios has quietly been working on Voltron for a long time, and the great news is filming wrapped up last year! The movie is expected to premiere soon on Prime Video.
Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber (Red Notice) and starring Henry Cavill and Sterling K. Brown, Voltron promises to be a high-quality sci-fi action blockbuster, bringing to life the childhood memories of the five robot lions combining.
2. My Hero Academia
This project was stuck in development limbo for nearly a decade, but since Netflix acquired the rights from Legendary, progress has accelerated rapidly. Director Shunsuke Sato, known for the hit Alice in Borderland, is leading this Hollywood debut.
The superhero setting of My Hero Academia fits perfectly with American filmmaking styles. With a script by Jason Fuchs (IT: Welcome to Derry), fans hope for an explosive anime-style Avengers experience.
1. Naruto
Topping the list is the most anticipated title of all: Naruto. After years of being stuck on paper, the project made huge strides by recruiting director Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings).
Cretton is co-writing the script with Tasha Huo and plans to start filming once he finishes his Marvel commitments. Adapting ninja techniques, the Nine-Tails, and Naruto’s iconic look without going overboard is a tough challenge. If successful, this could become a landmark live-action adaptation. If it fails, it will be a heartbreak for millions of fans worldwide.