Tiger & Bunny

[Gabe99]

Japanese Anime Film Adaptation 'Tiger & Bunny' Lands Writer (Exclusive)
Ellen Shanman will write the script for the live-action project based on a popular Japanese manga.

The English-language live-action adaptation of hit Japanese anime series Tiger & Bunny has hired Ellen Shanman to write the script.

The project, from Imagine Entertainment, All Nippon Entertainment Works (ANEW), and BANDAI NAMCO Pictures, is a buddy hero story taking place in a near-futuristic city called “Stern Bild,” where professional superheroes known as "NEXT" fight crime and save lives.

When the veteran, Kotetsu T. Kaburagi “Wild Tiger” is forced to collaborate with the fearless but cocky rookie partner Barnaby Brooks Jr. “Bunny” the two polar opposite characters must learn to work as a team to fight evil, protect the city and save each other.

The live-action adaptation is being produced by Imagine's Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, ANEW’s CEO Sandy Climan and Annmarie Bailey, and Masayuki Ozaki on behalf of BANDAI NAMCO Pictures, a subsidiary of Sunrise. Ozaki produced the original Japanese Tiger & Bunny brand under the Sunrise banner, one of Japan’s leading anime studios. Imagine’s President Erica Huggins will oversee the new film on behalf of Imagine Entertainment.

The Tiger & Bunny property is a big hit in Japan. With characters and heroes designed by manga legend Masakazu Katsura,Tiger & Bunny first aired in Japan in 2011 as a late night TV series. Two animated films have been successful as well: Tiger & Bunny: The Beginning in 2012, and Tiger & Bunny: The Rising, in 2014. The property has grown to include live action stage shows, exhibitions, concerts and merchandising.

“As we move forward in developing the wonderful Tiger & Bunny film, we are delighted to add a true rising star in Ellen Shanman to bring the story and characters to life,” said Howard. “Ellen’s strong, visionary, creative voice is a perfect match to adapt this wildly popular story for new audiences,” he continued.

Shanman is the author of the novels Right Before Your Eyes and Everything Nice, which she adapted for Charlize Theron’s Denver & Delilah Productions. Shanman also adapted the novel Falling Out of Fashion (now called Liv) for 2S Films and Alcon Entertainment. Most recently, she adapted YA superhero novel The Brokenhearted for New Line Cinema and Alloy. She's repped by by UTA, Anonymous Content and the Law Hut.

 

[terry78]

The concept is interesting, regarding the conflicting ideals of an older and younger superhero. Howard may as well direct.

 

[TheVileOne]

I love the anime because it's a fun modern take on superhero stories.

Actually deals with superheroes' having to compete with each other over rankings and TV time, not to mention commercializing their exploits.

A lot of the characters in the movie are actually Americanized, so you wouldn't have to worry about white-washing criticisms, except for Kotetsu, who is one of the main characters.

I would advocate casting an Asian American actor for Kotetsu...but...it's Hollywood. What can you do? They'd probably try to get around it by casting Keanu Reeves.

 

[Lord]

Watched the anime years ago, was great. Good characterization and a fun take on the genre, with the focus on product placement and commercialization that you usualy see with sport celebrities. Though i kinda fear Hollywood "bastardizing" it and bringing a bad rep to the franchise.

 

[Spider-Fan83]

why does this look familiar....???

.....oh right