10 Upcoming Live Action Anime That Might Suck

Studios keep lining up anime to adapt, and a surprising number of these projects are moving through development with writers, directors, or distributors already attached. The titles below are real, officially announced film or TV efforts with companies behind them, rather than fan projects or loose rumors. For each one, you’ll find the current status, who is involved, and where it’s likely to land once cameras roll. You’ll also see a quiet nod to the anime studios that made these stories popular in the first place.

Live-action ‘My Hero Academia’ Film

Legendary has a feature in development with Shinsuke Sato attached to direct and a script that has passed through writers tied to large-scale franchises. The project has been set up for Netflix distribution, signaling a global streaming release once production is complete. Series creator Kohei Horikoshi has been referenced in updates about consultation and story direction. The anime that helped fuel worldwide recognition comes from Bones.

Live-action ‘Naruto’ Film

Lionsgate is developing a movie with Destin Daniel Cretton on board to write and direct after steering major superhero entries. Reports have noted direct communication with Masashi Kishimoto to ensure character and world details carry over cleanly. The film has moved through active scripting and early prep as producers map out casting and action design. The long-running anime that built its global fan base is produced by Studio Pierrot.

Live-action ‘One Punch Man’ Film

Sony Pictures has a feature in development with Justin Lin attached to direct and producers experienced with large ensemble action. The screenplay has circulated with writers known for blockbuster adventure storytelling, pointing to a high-budget approach. Rights have been secured for a full theatrical pathway once production is locked. The breakout first season of the anime was produced at Madhouse before later seasons shifted studios.

Live-action ‘Gundam’ Feature

Legendary and Netflix are partnering with Sunrise’s involvement on a film that brings mobile suits into a large-scale live-action setting. Jordan Vogt-Roberts has been connected to the director’s chair as the design and worldbuilding pipeline progresses. The plan points toward a streaming debut backed by a global marketing push. The original anime franchise originates at Sunrise, which continues to steward brand oversight.

Live-action ‘Your Name’ Adaptation

Paramount Pictures and Bad Robot are producing an English-language reimagining that relocates the body-swap romance to a new setting. The film has cycled through drafts and directors as the creative team locks tone and structure for Western audiences. Production companies have continued active development to align visual effects and music plans with the script. The landmark anime film was produced by CoMix Wave Films.

Live-action ‘Akira’ Project

Warner Bros. has kept this adaptation in steady development, with Taika Waititi previously attached as director while new drafts refined scope and casting strategy. The project has advanced through location scouting and budgeting passes typical of effects-heavy productions. Studio planning has aimed at preserving the city-scale spectacle that defines the original story. The classic anime feature was created at Tokyo Movie Shinsha.

Live-action ‘Hellsing’ Film

Amazon Studios is developing a feature with Derek Kolstad involved on the screenplay after work on high-profile action franchises. The adaptation roadmap focuses on the secret organization setup and stylized vampire combat that define the source. Producers have discussed balancing practical stunts with visual effects to land the series’ supernatural tone. The early anime adaptation that spread the brand internationally came from Gonzo.

Live-action ‘Beyblade’ Feature

Paramount has a live-action film in the works with Jerry Bruckheimer Films producing, aligning the property with family-friendly action expertise. Development has included story beats that translate tournament play and branded tops into set pieces for theaters. The production strategy points to merchandising partnerships alongside the release window. The long-running anime that supported the toy line is animated by OLM.

Live-action ‘Robotech’ Film

Sony Pictures is developing this feature with producers coordinating rights across the component series that formed the original Western release. The adaptation has moved through writer attachments and director conversations as the creative path firms up. Visual effects planning has emphasized mecha transformations and aerial combat as core sequences. The anime heritage traces back to Tatsunoko Production.

New ‘Death Note’ Live-action Series

Netflix is developing a series from the creative team behind a major supernatural hit, focusing on an episodic format rather than a standalone film. The project is separate from the earlier live-action movie and aims to rebuild the cat-and-mouse structure over multiple hours. Early development has included writers’ room plans and tone setting for a contemporary setting. The widely known anime version was produced by Madhouse.

Share which of these you’re most curious or cautious about in the comments so we can compare notes on what you expect to actually deliver.