Anime: Live Action ‘Yu-Yu Hakusho’ is Coming to Netflix
The next live-action Netflix of a popular anime is on its way as more information on Yu Yu Hakusho dropped this weekend.
Live Action Yu Yu Hakusho
We don’t have a ton of information yet- especially not compared to the partial sets we’re seeing for upcoming One Piece project. But there are a few scraps to start giving us an idea of what we have in store.
unveiling the cast of the live-action Yu Yu Hakusho over the next few days! stay tuned to this thread pic.twitter.com/2LUzsDhM3r
— Netflix Anime (@NetflixAnime) July 16, 2022
A few of the key characters have been cast and promotional pictures of the actors in costume have been released. Takumi Kitamura will play the lead character Yusuke Urameshi, Kurama will be portrayed by Jun Shison and Kanata Hongo will play Hiei. The project is being directed by Sho Tsukikawa. And he seems to have been dubious of the project before seeing the possibilities.
“When I first heard about Yu Yu Hakusho receiving a live-action adaptation, I honestly wondered if it would even be possible—but after being presented with the producer’s vision and possibilities with Netflix, my expectations grew and I found myself burning with passion to make this project come to life. More than anything, I think the appeal of Yu Yu Hakusho comes from its characters, which is why I wanted to highlight the appealing relationships and battles in Yu Yu Hakusho…
“The visual effects we use are quite advanced, as we utilize cutting-edge technology, aimed for the best quality we can achieve. Lastly, from the very beginning, we were strongly aware of creating a series for a global audience. Just like when I first heard about this adaptation, there may be people out there who feel it’s an impossible undertaking, but no matter how many ways I express how I feel, I believe the work will speak for itself and prove it’s possible. I will continue to pour my heart and soul into the project to deliver the best entertainment from Japan to the world. ” -Sho Tsukikawa
Netflix
As always, it’s encouraging to see a project like this being helmed by people who seem to love the source material. But Netflix’s history with anime adaptations has fans concerned. Will this be a swing-and-a-miss or a pretty decent adaptation that gets canceled after just one season?
Their live-action take on Death Note was perhaps one of the worst things that we’ve collectively seen. But Cowboy Bebop was probably as good an adaptation as the streaming service was ever going to make. Yet it was axed after a single season. The numerous failures haven’t deterred Netflix yet, though. There are at least a few more adaptations on the horizon for us to enjoy…. or not. Only time will tell. All I know is that if this show doesn’t have an aggressively 90’s aesthetic, I’ll riot. Who’s with me?
Funimation describes Yu Yu Hakusho: “When delinquent Yusuke dies saving someone else, he gets a second shot at life as a Spirit Detective.”
Are you excited for live-action Yu Yu Hakusho? Are you begrudgingly willing to watch it? Is the anime one of your favorites, or have you not managed to see it yet? Let us know in the comments!
Ja Ne, Adventurers!
