Danica Davidson
June 14, 2022 
Hollywood has announced its intent to create another live-action adaptation of a manga, and this time around, it’s One-Punch Man.
According to Deadline, Sony Pictures is behind the movie, and Justin Lin of the Fast and the Furious franchise has been tasked to direct. This news comes after Lin had dropped out of Fast X because of creative differences with Vin Diesel. Meanwhile, Scott Rosenberg and Jeff Pinkner of Jumanji: The Next Level and Venom will write the script.
The movie is being produced by Avi Arad and Ari Arad of Arad Productions. This production company is also behind the Spider-Man film franchise, the X-Men film franchise, Venom, and Iron Man. In addition to directing, Lin is supposed to be producing and lending a hand to the script. They’re hoping to begin production before 2022 is out.
Deadline noted, “The studio is bullish on the concept as a franchise starter.” In other words, they’re hoping to build on this and have the movie only be the beginning.
One-Punch Man debuted as a webcomic back in 2009 and soon found a strong fanbase. Three years later, Yusuke Murata came on-board as the illustrator. In 2015 the manga was translated and published in America, expanding its fanbase even more and making it a bestseller in the country. Globally, more than 30 million copies of the series have sold.
VIZ Media publishes the manga in English, and gave this description of the first volume:
“Every time a promising villain appears, Saitama beats the snot out of ’em with one punch! Can he finally find an opponent who can go toe-to-toe with him and give his life some meaning? Or is he doomed to a life of superpowered boredom?”
What do you think of a live-action Hollywood adaptation of One-Punch Man?
Source: Deadline
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin. She is also the author of its upcoming sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
