News that “Death Note” will be made into a Hollywood movie has been up in the air for quite some time now.
Now, though, newer reports have confirmed that the internationally famous Japanese animation, otherwise coined as anime, is going to be featured in a live-action film – one that is to be directed by “The Guest” film maker Adam Wingard.
The Hollywood Reporter is pretty glad with the franchise’s choice of director, especially with Wingard’s knack of delving deeper into a concept’s darker sensibilities. For a story that has a dark tone, Wingard’s inclination towards horror could be the best touch the upcoming live-action film needs.
“Death Note” focuses on Light, a young high school student who accidentally comes across a magical notebook – one that can kill anyone by merely writing his or her name in it, in any manner the notebook’s owner desires. What makes the film even more horror-oriented is that there is an extra-dimensional demon that constantly eggs him on.
Light uses the notebook as his means of vigilante killing – killing off criminals and thugs in the city. With a variety of people dropping like flies, a detective takes interest on his case and is soon hot on his trail.
Although it sounds like Wingard has the most suitable horror credentials for “Death Note,” Cinema Blend has reported that there were actually a couple of directors that were being eyed for the project before Wingard stepped into the picture.
Gus Van Sant and Shane Black were also linked to the Japan-based film. The former director was only reportedly approached after the latter refused in order to take on other movie deals.
If ever “Death Note” does become a successful movie project in Hollywood, it will become Wingard’s first big budget studio film. Warner Bros. has reportedly been waiting for the perfect moment to launch this concept into an actual movie. Now that the movie has its director, it would appear that the studio is gearing to put as much money and work behind it as they can.