J.J. Abrams is Developing a Live-Action Adaptation of The Hit Anime YOUR NAME
J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot and Paramount Pictures have acquired the rights to the incredible Japanese anime blockbuster film Your Name. I don't know if you had a chance to see the film while it was in theaters, it was absolutely wonderful. I loved it, and it was one of my favorite films of the year.
Abrams will be developing a live-action version of the film and he will be working with the Japan-based Toho Co., Ltd., which produced the original movie. The screenplay will be written by Eric Heisserer, who wrote the script for Arrival.
The story follows two teenagers named Mitsuha and Taki who are complete strangers living separate lives until they suddenly switch places. "Mitsuha wakes up in Taki's body, and he in hers. This occurrence happens randomly, and they must adjust their lives around each other. Yet, somehow, it works. They build a connection by leaving notes for one another until they wish to finally meet. But something stronger than distance may keep them apart."
I really hope that they don't screw this up. I think Abrams is a fantastic filmmaker but as long as the original producers of the anime are involved, though, there's hope that fans will get a solid adaptation. One of the producers of the original film Genki Kawamura had this to say in a statement:
“Just like in the film it feels like a dream. Mr. Abrams and his team have captivated audiences in their masterful reinvention of known properties. And Mitsuha and Taki have found a perfect narrator, Mr. Heisserer, to tell their sci-fi infused love story, which gave the film such drive. The meetings so far have been creatively stimulating with fantastic ideas that no doubt will make for a great movie. I am greatly honored to work with these incredible creators in bringing to audiences the Hollywood live-action version of ‘Your Name.'”
Well, if he's excited, then maybe fans of the film should be excited as well. As a fan of the original film, I really hope they can pull this off and make a great live-action adaptation. What are your thoughts on all this?