The famous Japanese manga “City Hunter” is getting a live-action adaptation, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
On December 14th, streaming platform Netflix announced that it has greenlit a live-action drama for the classic manga “City Hunter”. It is reported that actor Ryohei Suzuki will be taking on the role of male lead Ryo Saeba, while director Yuichi Sato, known for “Kisaragi”, “Strawberry Night”, and “The End of the Tiny World”, will be in charge of directing.
Serialized under leading manga magazine Weekly Shonen Jump from 1985 to 1991, “City Hunter” is a representative work of mangaka Tsukasa Hojo. Due to the series’ high popularity, it has received several anime adaptations, and also spawned a movie and a drama. However, Netflix’s project will be the first time “City Hunter” is adapted into a live-action in Japan.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix has been in discussions with Tsukasa Hojo for about 10 years. The live action is set to launch in 2024, and will take on a modern-day setting compared to the original manga.
Regarding this adaptation, Tsukasa Hojo, the original author, said, “I always hoped the lead would be played by someone who really liked ‘City Hunter’ and thanks to Ryohei’s unwavering passion, the time has finally come.” He also added, “Thanks to the dedicated cast and crew, I’m looking forward to the title being brought to screen, with a fresh and realistic perspective that isn’t strictly bound to the original manga.”
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
