Death Note is among the most popular manga/anime in history. The story of a student that finds a supernatural notebook which allows him to kill anyone simply by writing their name in its pages was a compelling examination of justice and the thin line between good and evil.
And, as Hollywood loves to do, a live-action adaptation of the popular manga series is in the works with Nat Wolff ( The Fault in Our Stars ) set to star in the film.
But Collider caught up with Death Note’s producer, Roy Lee, at DICE 2016 to talk about the upcoming film. Interestingly enough, Lee told Collider that director Adam Wingard is waiting for the studio to greenlight movie but the they have a cast in place.
Lee also said that they are planning to begin shooting Death Note in 2016.
However, the nature of the Death Note story sets it apart from mainstream manga successes like Dragon Ball Z and Naruto, and Lee understands that distinction.
“It’s definitely for adults. It is zero chance it will be below an R-rating,” Lee said when asked about the audience for the film and went on to say that the tone of the film “will be one of the first manga adaptations that feels very grounded but still has fantastical elements.”
That sounds like a perfect description of what a Death Note movie should be and the film will look to add manga/anime stories as another weapon in Hollywood’s arsenal of adaptations.
Reports from last fall had Death Note production beginning in the spring, though the studios have yet to confirm this.
What do you think of the Death Note movie aiming for an R rating? Let us know in the comments section.
