Anime Director of ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ Criticizes Live-Action Film Adaptation

Sep 19, 17 at 12:08am

Serena Rei

Seiji Muzushima, the director of the Fullmetal Alchemist anime had something to say when it comes to the upcoming live-action film adaptation. To quote, “It was a bad idea to only use Japanese actors.” He made this comment during a roundtable discussion with anime producers Tomoki Misawa (Urawa no Usagi-chan) and Hiroshi Kanemaru (Popin Q) at Nikufes (Meat Festival) Tokyo 2017.

He was asked to share his opinion about the upcoming film since the hype of the franchise has increased immensely in Japan. This discussion happened in the nationwide meat festival Nikufes is due to its recent incorporation with anime collaborations and anime song stage performances.

When regards to the casting choices, he said that “If you asked me whether I think the cast could pull it off, I’d say that no, they cant.” He also elaborated that “It’s hard for actors to capture the look and feel of the original manga”. Aside from making these comments related to the FMA movie, he also commented about the live-action movie adaptation of the Gintama movie saying that “Gintama just looked stupid.” and even the live-action adaptation of Terraformars to him was a bad adaptation of an awesome manga. “2D is freer than live action. You can express more with it.”

Although he has negative comments when regards to the upcoming FMA live-action movie, he was interested on the film’s 3DCG effects and he approves that live-action films have been broadening the appeals of manga and anime to the general public and continue to let the franchise grow as well.

The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist manga will premiere in Japan on December 1. The film will be directed by Fumihiko Sori and promises to fans that the movie will be closely accurate to its original source.

To quote Sori, “I want to create a style that follows the original manga as much as possible. The cast is entirely Japanese, but the cultural background is Europe. However, it’s a style that doesn’t represent a specific race or country."

Ryosuke Yamada will play the role of Edward Elric, Dean Fujioka as Roy Mustang, and Tsubasa Honda as Winry Rockbell. Other cast and crew members include the following:

Fumiyo Kohinata as General Hakuro

Ryuta Sato as Maes Hughes

Misako Renbutsu as Riza Hawkeye

Natsuna as Maria Ross

Natsuki Harada as Gracia Hughes

Yo Oizumi as Shou Tucker

Jun Kunimura as Doctor Marco

Yasuko Matsuyuki as Lust

Kanata Hongou as Envy

Shinji Uchiyama as Gluttony

Kenjiro Ishimaru as Father Cornello

As a special treat for those who will be watching the movie on its premiere date in Japan, a “special-edition comic” created by the original manga creator Hiromu Arakawa will be given away until supplies last.

Source: Anime News Network

Please login to post.

Top 5 Animes That Will Always Be Binge WorthyNov 3, 22 9pm

Over the past few years up to this point, millions of viewers hastily looked for new ways to entertain themselves. It's a known fact that millions of people found themselves stuck at home during quarantine, and the situation forced them to find something new and immersive that could help distract them from the stresses that the pandemic brought.

Best Female Lead Anime on NetflixJun 14, 22 9pm

In a predominantly male-dominated culture and genre, anime tends to over-represent and favor action-packed adventures of male protagonists discovering their true strengths. As a result, excellent anime featuring female characters can be challenging to locate.

According to Fans, These 5 Anime have the Most Annoying FanbasesOct 23, 22 1pm

With thousands of critics emerging, seemingly everyday, it is somehow difficult to be a fan of anime films or series nowadays. One of the most challenging parts is the toxic fandoms, you most commonly encounter online, ready to start an argument at the drop of a hat.

10 Anime Characters Who Deserve DefeatAug 22, 22 12pm

In the world of anime and just about any other story, it's common to have a protagonist and an antagonist. As the viewer, we're to follow the protagonist throughout their journey in hopes of a well-deserved victory.

New Dragon Ball Movie to Hit Theaters Internationally This SummerJun 1, 22 10pm

This summer, one of the best, long-running anime will have another big-screen movie. Yes, you read it right: the Dragon Ball Super franchise will have another movie, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, released this summer.

5 of the Best (or the Worst) Anime Characters with Split PersonalitiesOct 19, 22 1pm

Anime doesn't usually portray characters with split personalities. However, if they create one, it will be one of the most stunning characters. Split personality is also called Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).

Digimon Survive Game Launches Worldwide on July 29thMay 21, 22 11pm

DigiDestined around the world can now rest easy as Digimon Survive, the upcoming visual novel from Bandai Namco Entertainment has found its release date. After two years of development and release delays due to the pandemic, it is finally seeing the light of day on July 29.

English Dub for The Yakuza’s Guide to BabysittingNov 23, 22 5pm

The waiting is now finally over. The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting now launched its long-awaited English dub on October 20, 2022. It will be available only on Crunchyroll. For those who are unfamiliar with the anime, the Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting basically follows the story of Yakuza, an enforcer who is tasked with watching his boss' daughter.

Love, Death & Robots' Volume 3 Almost HereMay 15, 22 1am

With the latest news surrounding Love, Death, and Robots Vol.3, fans are excited for another wonderful season. Vol.3 will have big shoes to fill, though, as fans were left fiery hot from the first season while being lukewarm for the second.

More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers Anime Adaptation will Premiere in October This YearSep 20, 22 12pm

More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers is a popular Japanese manga series. A lot of fans from different parts of the world have been waiting for its release. This is created by Yūki Kanamaru who is best known for being an author & artist.

Five New Anime Coming out in JulyJun 29, 22 2pm

With the recent news that The Hunter x Hunter manga is coming back, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is dominating the box office, and many beloved mangas getting their anime adaptations, it’s absolutely an amazing time to be an anime fan.

Anime Adaptation for Murai in Love has been AnnouncedJul 9, 22 5pm

Rom-com anime fans rejoice. Junta Shima’s romantic comedy manga Murai in Love (Murai no Koi) will be getting an anime adaptation, according to its official Twitter page. In a tweet posted this past June 15, the social media page for the manga series posted a photo featuring an animated onigiri and the message “Murai & Friends will return in The animation.

Twitter Exploded in Celebration for the 16th Anniversary of Fairy TailSep 6, 22 1pm

Hundreds of Fairy Tail manga fans recalled some of the most unforgettable moments in both manga and anime on its 16th anniversary. The manga was released on August 2, 2006, and since then, it became popular with anime lovers worldwide.

Ni No Kuni, The Anime, The Game and How They’re RelatedJul 25, 22 9am

Nothing is more exciting than your favorite film generated into an online game. If the digital world offered you the opportunity to play the character that you just once saw on screen, would you still hesitate.

Is It Wrong to Pick up Girls in a Dungeon? Probably not, if there’s soon to be 4 seasonsAug 3, 22 2pm

Is It Wrong to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon. was among the most popular fantasy animes released after its launch on April 4, 2015. After the finale of Season 3, Argonaut (Hero's Return), concluded with a sorrowful ending, fans were left heartbroken but at the same time excited to see what happens next for Bell and Ryu.

Two New Animated Specials for My Hero AcademiaAug 14, 22 9am

The wait for a new “My Hero Academia” content is over as the series has received a two-episode special this past June 16-19. It will be streamed online this summer, although no specific date has been announced and it’s unclear where the episodes will be streamed just ahead of its sixth season, however, one can asssume the episodes will be streamed on Crunchyroll.

Anime fans can get your own free website on RavenMay 6, 7pm

If you’re an anime fan looking for a way to share your passion with the world, Website Raven is the perfect platform for you. Built to be easy to use and flexible, Website Raven is a website builder that allows you to create your own personalized website for free, giving you the tools to connect with other fans, showcase your artwork, share your favorite series, or build a fan community.

Artificial Intelligence from OpenAI expands to TokyoAug 27, 9pm

In a significant move, OpenAI is establishing a new office in Tokyo and unveiling a version of its GPT-4 model optimized specifically for the Japanese language. This expansion underscores the company’s commitment to localizing its AI technology as it grows its global footprint.

Top staff suspended at Anime DetourApr 12, 2pm

Anime conventions, despite being a haven for geeks, nerds, and the often-oppressed, are also sadly no stranger to drama. Some Anime Detour staff have posted a link to a petition to remove the board of directors of "Anime Twin Cities Inc.

Yor's Appeal in 'SPY×FAMILY' is Her InnocenceNov 12, 23 2pm

In Season 2 of the TV anime, 'SPY×FAMILY', the 'Luxury Cruise Line' edition is currently underway. This story arc features Yor at its center, unfolding the poignant inner conflicts of this character, who is an integral member of the Forger family and is also a hitman.

Raj Ramayya (Bebop, Wolfs Rain) Releases New Album and Music VideosAug 22, 23 8pm

Renowned composer and singer, Raj Ramayya, famous for his significant contributions to beloved anime titles like Cowboy Bebop, Resident Evil, and Wolf's Rain, has unveiled a brand-new Anime-inspired album titled "Spice Age Adventures.