The prospect of a Hollywood live-action adaptation of Attack on Titan presents formidable challenges, primarily due to the expansive scale and intense violence portrayed in the original anime. Originating from Hajime Isayama’s acclaimed manga, Attack on Titan has captivated audiences globally, earning its place as one of the most beloved anime series over the years. Despite its conclusion, the franchise continues to attract new admirers, especially with the recent release of a recap film titled The Last Attack. This, however, is not the franchise’s debut on the cinematic stage; several years prior to the manga’s finale, two Japanese live-action movies were produced.
Released in 2015, Attack on Titan: Part 1 and Attack on Titan: Part 2 aimed to encapsulate the initial arcs of Eren Yeager’s saga. While the films navigated the challenges of adapting an unfinished narrative, they made significant deviations from the source material, leading to mixed reviews from fans. As the popularity of Attack on Titan has only surged since then, Hollywood’s interest in this intellectual property is evident. Nonetheless, achieving a faithful adaptation remains a daunting task.
The Ideal Attack on Titan Live-Action Movie Would Have to Be an R-Rated Blockbuster
In a 2018 report by Variety, it was announced that director Andy Muschietti would helm a live-action Attack on Titan film for Warner Bros. However, updates regarding this project have been scarce over the years, and as of now, the status remains uncertain. Meanwhile, with the immense success of One Piece’s inaugural season on Netflix and the anticipation for a new Naruto film, the possibility of a Hollywood Attack on Titan adaptation seems increasingly likely. To realize its potential, however, the film must be a high-budget, R-rated venture.
The anime adaptation itself carries a TV-MA rating, underscoring the mature themes present in the storyline. Initially, Attack on Titan unfolds as a horror narrative, pitting vulnerable humans against colossal Titans whose sole intent is to consume humanity. Esteemed for its brutal violence, Attack on Titan transcends mere gore, presenting psychological horror that resonates deeply. While Hollywood has successfully produced numerous gory and R-rated films, an adaptation of Attack on Titan requires blockbuster-level visual effects and intricate set pieces to do justice to its narrative.
Hollywood Isn’t Ready to Bet on an R-Rated Big-Budget Live-Action Anime Movie
Live-Action Anime Movies Are Still a Tricky Genre
Traditionally, R-rated films receive smaller budgets in comparison to their PG-13 counterparts, as the latter typically appeals to broader demographics, thus increasing box office potential. However, creating a live-action Attack on Titan adaptation with a reduced budget would be practically unfeasible, given the manga’s vast landscape. The essence of Attack on Titan lies in depicting the desperate struggle of humanity against colossal adversaries—the Titans—an endeavor that necessitates state-of-the-art visual effects.
While films like Deadpool and Oppenheimer have comfortably thrived as R-rated summer blockbusters, Hollywood remains hesitant to invest heavily in an anime adaptation. To craft a proper Attack on Titan film, it would need to rival the production values of monumental blockbusters like Godzilla vs. Kong or the Transformers series, which rank among the priciest films produced recently. On the other hand, crafting a PG-13 Attack on Titan movie presents its own challenges. The absence of the explicit carnage and despair woven throughout the narrative would dilute the impact of Eren’s mission to annihilate every Titan.
Recent R-Rated Hits Suggest Attack on Titan Could Be Highly Successful If Executed Properly
Deadpool & Wolverine Was the Latest R-Rated Movie to Gross Over $1 Billion
The viability of live-action anime adaptations in Hollywood remains unproven, especially in theaters. While the success of One Piece demonstrates a promising trajectory for future adaptations, Attack on Titan will need to follow suit at the box office before it can be greenlit. Nevertheless, the impressive performance of recent R-rated films like Oppenheimer and Deadpool & Wolverine serves as a testament that such movies can achieve blockbuster status.
Similar to Deadpool and Wolverine, Attack on Titan would benefit from its established fan base. Yet for the film to attain widespread success, it must also resonate with audiences unfamiliar with the anime.
Source: Variety
More details and images can be found at Screen Rant.
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