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Live-action 'Attack on Titan' gets release date, new director

11 Comments
By Casey Baseel

With the notable exception of Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino, pretty much everybody in the world seems to love "Attack on Titan." Although the series got started with a manga serial in 2009, its adaptation into an animated TV series in 2013 rocketed the title to popularity.

There’s been talk of a live-action theatrical version of "Attack on Titan" for some time, and the project now has a new director, writers, and best of all, a release date.

The first word of a live-action "Attack on Titan" came in December of 2011. Originally, Tetsuya Nakashima, director of the Academy Award-nominated revenge tale "Confessions," was attached to the film. This was before "Attack on Titan’s" anime premiere and subsequent surge in popularity, however, and the announcement of the movie itself was, until now, the only notable news regarding the project.

Almost two years later, distributor Toho has finally given a long-awaited update on the film’s status. Instead of Nakashima, Shinji Higuchi will be occupying the director’s chair. Higuchi directed the much-lauded historical-drama "The Floating Castle," and has an extensive background in special effects, having lent his talents to films in both the Godzilla and Gamera franchises.

Higuchi is also no stranger to animation, being one of the original members of the group that would go on to become anime studio Gainax, and having worked on the production house’s "Wings of Honneamise" and "Evangelion," as well as the currently airing "Kill la Kill" TV series.

A pair of writers will be handling the live-action "Attack on Titan’s" script, with the first being movie critic Tomohiro Machiyama, who attended film school in the U.S. and is a friend of "Attack on Titan" creator Hajime Isayama. Machiyama will collaborate with Yusuke Watanabe, who previously served as scriptwriter for two live-action anime adaptations, the 2011 sci-fi theatrical release "Gantz: Perfect Answer," and before that a 2009 TV series about all things wine-related, "The Drops of God."

Casting is currently underway. Filming is set to begin early next summer, and Toho says the film should be in theaters sometime in 2015. That’s still a while off, but if "Attack on Titan" continues to be the pop culture darling it has become, opening day is sure to be packed.

Source: Jin

Read more stories from RocketNews24. -- Gundam creator has harsh words for manga and anime hit “Attack on Titan” -- Pet owner recreates Attack on Titan’s epic opening shot by shot – with cats -- Five Hollywood movies with a taste of Japanimation

© RocketNews24

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11 Comments
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Never heard of it... :-/

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

I've never heard of it either, but intend to check into it.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

it's one of the greatest anime of all time even though season 1 was only completed this year!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I cannot wait! :)

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Shingeki no kyoujin

0 ( +1 / -1 )

This is far from the best anime out, but it could be that I didn't enjoy it as much and found problem with the pacing as well as one of the characters in the show. Still it was one of the better shows that came out this year even with the IMO were massive problems that pulled me out of the show, I'm still excited to see a live action version of this world.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

This anime has earned good reviews from fans worldwide. The first season was a masterpiece. The art, animation, and story, all made the series well recognized. Everyone is anticipating for this movie and of course the second season as well.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I got 3 episodes in and bailed. Was bored as hell watching it. It's no cowboy bebop or samurai champloo.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I see it as somewhat of a variation on the zombie genre. This could be why Attack on Titan is so popular - it taps into a deep survival instinct within us humans, in which we like to envision our survival among ridiculous odds. As a series itself, I find the pacing suffers somewhat, sporadically focusing on different groups of characters. Plus the generic character designs make it hard to tell some characters apart (only talking about the manga here).

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I've never heard of it either... and if it's about zombies then I'll pass. Never understood why zombies are so popular...

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Great anime, I hope the film will be a success!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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