Netflix’s New Live-Action Anime Will Prove Whether The Adaptation Curse Has Really Been Broken

Live-action anime adaptations have struggled throughout the years, but with the recent success of Netflix’s One Piece, things seem to be improving for those who wish to see their favorite animated characters and arcs in movies or TV shows. Adapting anime is difficult because the sensibilities in the animated medium don’t always translate well in a real-life context. Moreover, things like accurate casting, pacing, and nailing convincing action scenes and sequences also tend to be areas where filmmakers struggle.

Although Netflix’s live-action anime adaptations have been hit-or-miss in the past, the recent consensus is that the platform is finally hitting its stride and setting a precedent for other studios to properly adapt popular anime and manga. Even though it remains to be seen how well it will bode with audiences, Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender‘s impressive trailer already looks like it will continue the company’s recent trend. After One Piece, it is time for another live-action anime show to prove if the adaptation curse is finally lifted.

Yu-Yu Hakusho Is Netflix’s Next Big Live-Action Anime After One Piece

Netflix’s Yu-Yu Hakusho Is Coming Off The Heels Of One Piece’s Success

Following the success of One Piece, Yu-Yu Hakusho is the next big anime adaptation releasing on Netflix. The early nineties anime followed protagonist Yusuke Urameshi, a teenage delinquent who perished while attempting to save a young boy’s life. After dying, Yusuke is allowed to return to his body if he can complete a series of tasks as the series’ top Underworld Detective.

The details surrounding Netflix’s adaptation of the beloved series are being kept under wraps, but the well-received trailer seems faithful to the source while also introducing some interesting curve balls. One Piece‘s successful first season was impressive because it effectively managed to endear audiences, both new and old, to the characters, world, and prominent story arcs without things feeling rushed or glossed over. If Yu-Yu Hakusho can replicate One Piece‘s success, it can keep the momentum for successful live-action anime adaptations going, and hopefully bring about more adaptations of adored anime.

Netflix Has Had Recent Successes With Live-Action Anime & Manga Adaptation

Yu-Yu Hakusho Can Continue Netflix’s Successful Adaptation Streak

In addition to One Piece Netflix has seemingly hit its stride with other live-action anime and manga adaptations such as Rurouni Kenshin – The Beginning, Rurouni Kenshin – The Final, and the miniseries, Alice in Borderland. While each adaptation is acclaimed for different reasons, the common denominator is that the projects remain faithful to the source material while finding creative ways to deviate and introduce new ideas. This distinction is no different with One Piece, and the trailers for Netflix’s upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender and Yu-Yu Hakusho appear to follow in their predecessors’ shoes.

Another reason why Netflix’s recent live-action anime success is good news for anime adaptations is because it leaves the door open for adaptations of other beloved projects in other mediums. As seen with the commercial success and critical acclaim of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Sonic the Hedgehog, and The Last of Us, Hollywood already seems to have its sights set on live-action video game adaptations. While those projects are all American-made, Netflix’s success with anime and manga adaptations could mean the increased presence of live-action Japanese video game adaptations too.

Yu-Yu Hakusho Succeeding Would Confirm A New Era Of Live-Action Anime Adaptations

A Successful Yu-Yu Hakusho Adaptation Can Lead To More Live-Action Anime

With the upcoming Metal Gear Solid movie in the works, it appears as though Hollywood is already mining for popular titles in the Japanese video game catalog to adapt. Furthermore, the Legend of Zelda live-action movie, something that’s been in development for quite some time now, further suggests audiences can expect to see iconic characters on the big screen. While it remains to be seen just how well these adaptations could work, their success would likely solidify the industry’s decision to take greater risks with the games, manga, and anime adaptations that Hollywood greenlights.

Yu-Yu Hakusho doing well could contribute to ushering in a new era of live-action anime adaptations in the form of some of the medium’s more obscure titles getting the spotlight. Considering the bizarre nature of Yu-Yu Hakusho, its success could lead to other complex works like Samurai Champloo or Trigun receiving live-action updates. With Yu-Yu Hakusho hitting the small screen next month, audiences won’t have to wait much longer to see if the show contributes to lifting the live-action anime adaptation curse.