Dec. 18, 2023

New Trend of Live Action Adaptations Arrives

Popular streaming platform Netflix has seen success in live-action adaptations, namely worldwide acclaimed anime One Piece. With similar animation shows such as Yu-Yu Hakusho expected to feature as a live action series, it seems to have opened a new pathway for the live-action trend to thrive in. By: Dylan Low

Previously, live-action adaptations have stumbled and failed to impress throughout the years. It has always been an issue for filmmakers as they tackle many problems surrounding the show - choosing the right cast, pacing and performing believable action choreography/scenes, always posed a problem for struggle. After all, context in an animated environment does not necessarily make sense in real life. 

Although these live-action adaptations have performed inconsistently in the past, the current opinion is that the trend has been revived in recent times. Streaming audiences have found a liking to these shows, as seen in the hit success brought in by One Piece’s new live action production. It scored more than 50 million hours on the platform, attracting high viewership and traction.

After the screening of One Piece, Yu-Yu Hakusho looks to be the next big anime franchise moving into Netflix. The show’s details have been kept unrevealed; however, its new released trailer looks to follow the original animated series coupled with a few interesting twists. It aims to follow One Piece’s footsteps and maintain the momentum of top live-action adaptations ongoing. 

Other notable series in Netflix’s collection consists of anime/manga adaptations, such as Rurouni Kenshin - The Beginning, Rurouni Kenshin - The Final, and mainstream series Alice in Borderland. Despite each series being commended for different reasons, the similarity lies in them following the original source material, as they add creative ways to offer a fresh perspective. This explains the blockbuster film achievement by One Piece, as the upcoming adaptations Avatar: The Last Airbender and Yu-Yu Hakusho look to take inspiration from.

Success is not only found in anime and manga adaptations, but also adaptations in other genres. With high commercial success seen in mainstream franchises, namely The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Sonic the Hedgehog, and The Last of Us, Hollywood is targeting video game film adaptations. With all these projects based in America, Netflix’s current success could represent an opportunity for Japanese game adaptations to make a possible debut. 

With Metal Gear Solid slated to be in production, Hollywood is also looking at Japanese video games for likely titles to adapt. A video game franchise known worldwide is the Legend of Zelda, as it is expected to be under development at the moment. As it remains unseen how effective these adaptations become, their potential achievements could pave the way for the industry to utilise more games, manga and anime shows for adaptations.

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