From Anime to Live Action

There is a growing trend of popular anime becoming live action features. Larry and Andy Wachowski have announced the casting of Emile Hirsch (from Lords Of Dogtown) as the lead in Speed Racer.

Presently filming in Shanghai and Taiwan is the live action version of Inoue Takehiko's smash manga/anime Slam Dunk. With a production budget of USD 10 million, the film stars Jay Chou, Charlene Choi and Chen Bo-lin.

Also in the works is the live action version of Blood: The Last Vampire starring pretty Korean actress Jeon Ji-hyun (of My Sassy Girl) in the lead role of Saya.

One particular film project that is strangely silent these days is the live action version of the hit suspense manga by Naoki Urasawa, Monster. Optioned by New Line Cinema, my source informed me that the studio is having difficulty casting the lead role of Dr. Tenma, and are even considering changing the character from a Japanese doctor to a Caucasian, a move that is likely to cause an uproar among fans (yours truly among them).