Film World Studios Gains Live-Action Rights to 1977 Series "Space Pirate Captain Harlock"

Remember the space opera series titled “Space Pirate Captain Harlock”? created by Leiji Matsumoto the man who created several space themed works including “Arcadia of my Youth” and “Starzinger”, it is one of the earliest manga works created, having been released in 1977. Now as confirmed with a teaser trailer released on Tuesday, Film World Studios has now acquired the live-action rights to the series.

The story of the series tells of humanity though having achieved a vast starfaring civilization, are in despair under the assault of foreign invaders. In the midst of the despair filled community, a hero and his crew rose to the challenge of fighting back against the primary oppressors, the Marzone, a race of organic plant-based alien women.

This hero is a man named Harlock, from a regular man he turns into the captain of an outlaw crew and aboard the ship Arcadia, he undertakes in daring raids against the primary and other oppressors of his world.

The manga series ran for two years with a total of five volumes and in the middle of the series’ run, in 1978, an anime adaptation was made and spanned to a total of 42 episodes and ended in 1979 like the manga.

In regards to the acquirement of the live-action rights by Film World Studios, they have created a created a Facebook page in which posted a statement in English, French, Japanese, and Chinese, dictating:

“Film World Studios, llc” is extremely proud and privileged to announce the acquisition of the live action rights of Leiji Matsumoto’s comic book “Space Pirate Captain Harlock”.
(Not to be confused with the Toei Animation series of the same name inspired by the comic book which we hold no rights).

Stay tuned as we’ll make other announcements soon as far as who will be directing this wonderful film and the question that’s burning on everyone’s lips : Who will be playing “Captain Harlock” in the live action movie?"

Currently the company has been streaming a total of 7 videos for the past week, teasing details on the project and depicting the spaceship Arcadia and Captain Harlock, as well as the crew members Tadashi Daiba, Kei Yuki, Miime, and Yattaran.

For any other details, check out the source at:

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