Attack on Titan Live-Action Inbound? See Who Has The Rights

• Two-time Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao has co-launched Kodansha Studios to create premium live-action adaptations of popular manga.
• The new studio gains access to Kodansha’s legendary library, which includes iconic titles like Attack on Titan and Akira.
• Zhao will serve as Chief Creative Officer, aiming to directly connect Japanese manga authors with international filmmakers.
• The venture marks a significant new chapter in the relationship between Japanese publishers and Hollywood, promising a wave of new content for global audiences.

A New Era for Manga Fans and Hollywood

In a move that has sent ripples through the global entertainment community, two-time Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao and producer Nicolas Gonda have announced the launch of Kodansha Studios. This new global venture is dedicated to adapting the vast and celebrated manga library of Japanese publisher Kodansha into live-action movies and television series, and fans are already speculating if this means a definitive adaptation of titans like Attack on Titan is on the horizon.

Unlocking a Legendary Library

Kodansha Studios will serve as a direct bridge between Japanese creators and Hollywood, leveraging a catalog that is home to some of the most influential manga ever created. Beyond the globally recognized Attack on Titan and the seminal cyberpunk classic Akira, the library includes massive hits such as Tokyo Revengers, Blue Lock, The Seven Deadly Sins, and Initial D. With a collection of over 4,000 titles that have collectively sold more than half a billion copies, the potential for new, high-quality adaptations is immense.

“The establishment of Kodansha Studios represents a pivotal moment – and a new chapter – in the relationship between Japanese publishers and Hollywood,” said Yoshinobu Noma, CEO of Kodansha, highlighting the studio’s commitment to accelerating “direct partnerships with premier global artists, producers, and partner studios.”

A Fan at the Helm

Chloé Zhao’s Creative Vision

Chloé Zhao, the acclaimed director of Nomadland and Marvel’s Eternals, will take the role of Chief Creative Officer. Her involvement is a massive stamp of credibility and has already generated excitement among fans who have long hoped for faithful adaptations. Zhao herself is a lifelong fan of the medium.

“I grew up reading and drawing Manga. I love being a part of the fandoms and I feel a deep sense of belonging with people around the world who share their love for these characters and stories,” Zhao stated. “By connecting these brilliant authors with their filmmaker counterparts internationally, we can empower both parties while driving a wave of exceptional storytelling for audiences all over the world.”

Building a Powerhouse Team

Joining Zhao is Nicolas Gonda, who will serve as President and Chief Operations Officer. Gonda’s extensive production experience includes Terrence Malick’s Oscar-nominated The Tree of Life and, most recently, Zhao’s award-winning drama Hamnet. Their existing production company, Book of Shadows, will continue to operate as a separate entity. This powerhouse partnership signals a serious, artist-driven approach to adapting stories that millions of fans hold dear, potentially changing the landscape of live-action manga adaptations for years to come.