Sony Pictures will be working on the previously announced live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime, Gantz.

Deadline says that Julius Avery has been assigned to direct the Live-Action Gantz by Sony Pictures. Based on a manga series written and illustrated by Hiroya Oku, the script will be adapted by Marc Guggenheim, with income from Temple Hill. The project is still in early development and the release date is still unknown.

Avery has previously worked on the well-received horror action film Overlord (which has no relation to the light novel/anime Overlord).

This series tells the story of Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato who both die in a train accident and become part of a semi-posthumous “game” in which they and several other recently deceased individuals are forced to hunt down and kill armed aliens. With various types of weapons and a copious amount of violence, it’s understandable why Hollywood by interested in the IP.

Oku however says he regretted making an agreement with a Hollywood studio for the rights to the series. This is because the contract of the Gantz live-action adaptation also prevents any anime adaptations related to Gantz.

Oku revealed that the contract was signed in 2020, and will most likely delay several GANTZ projects including 2D anime, CGI, Live Action, and others for at least another four years. 

Gantz received high acclaim for its narrative, character-writing, and brutal action. The manga began in series in 2000 and continued through 2013. Additionally, it was adapted into an anime series in 2004 by studio Gonzo (Last Exile) by director Ichiro Itano, who previously worked on the Macross and Mobile Suit Gundam franchises. The series was also adapted into two Japanese live-action films, released in 2011.

Hollywood seems to be turning even more to anime for adaptations in recent years with the live-action Cowboy Bebop Netflix series releasing this month and a One Piece adaptation also in production.