5 Film Franchises That Need Anime Adaptations ASAP
The world of anime adaptations can be a difficult one to navigate. When it comes to live-action [...]
Fast and the Furious
Japan loves its tech, and automobiles share in the country's interest in all things shiny. When it comes to anime, automobiles have birthed their own subgenre to create shows that are primarily focused on racing. Just look back on projects such as Speed Racer or even Akira. Anime is more than fond of souped up cars, so it makes sense that a Fast and the Furious series would be in-demand. It wouldn't be the first time the franchise has visited Japan; Whether you want to admit it or not, Tokyo Drift was a thing, and anime enthusiasts wouldn't mind seeing the franchise return if at all possible.
Westworld
Remember how much Japan prides itself in tech? Well, they really do. The country's culture is a progressive one when it comes to gadgets, and Tokyo is ladened with hi-tech robotics wherever you go. It's a surprise that no one has thought to adapt Westworld into an anime yet. The 1973 film is a genre-bending thriller which tells the story of androids who work in an amusement park. The robots gradually come to desire freedom, leading them to break their coding and attack anyone who dares treat them inhumanely. Even though HBO has recently made a television series out of Westworld, an anime series would take the dramatic tale and turn it into one epic mecha.
Jurassic Park
When you talk about iconic film franchises, a few pop into mind. Harry Potter. Lord of the Rings. And, of course, Jurassic Park. The film franchise is based off a series of novels, but it was Steven Spielberg who popularized the hair-raising series. Jurassic Park has it all: danger, scenery, developed characters, and a slew of deadly dinosaurs. The franchise's concoction is an alluring one, and anime fans would jump for a chance to see Jurassic Park sized down as an anime should the chance come by. Honestly, it would make for one of the medium's better shonen series if the adaptation was done right.
Deadpool
Deadpool had an excellent year in 2016. The iconic mercenary made it to the big leagues when his standalone film burst into the box office. The raunchy, fourth-wall-breaking movie left fans in stitches. The movie was an undeniable hit, and Japanese fans were very excited to see Deadpool debut abroad. Since the film premiered, fans have been wondering when Marvel will team up with an anime studio to give him a standalone series. Sure, the character has appeared in other Marvel anime series, but Deadpool's irreverent and undeniably badass nature leaves fans desperate for more than a cameo or two.
Star Wars
Fans have said it before, and they will surely say it again: Star Wars needs an anime adaptation. The sci-fi franchise takes fans on a complex journey through intergalactic warfare, and anime fans would kill to see its backstory unraveled with an adapted series. Thanks to Lucasfilm's oversight, Star Wars has a critically praised history with animated series, but the franchise's only anime projects have been fan-made. With Star Wars entering a new phase with its upcoming saga releases, anime fans can continue to hope that Lucasfilm may bring the Force to one very lucky Japanese studio.
