Michael B. Jordan has revealed a strong desire to direct a Michael B. Jordan live-action anime adaptation dream project, stirring excitement among anime communities and film enthusiasts alike. Following recent successes and speaking during an interview, Jordan shared his passion for anime and his ambition to bring a beloved series to the big screen in live action.
Michael B. Jordan’s Directorial Aspirations Beyond Hollywood Hits
After the box office achievements of films like Sinners and his experience directing Creed III, Michael B. Jordan appears set to embark on new creative territory. Instead of returning solely to familiar franchises such as Sinners 2 or Creed 4, he’s openly considering a completely different venture. According to a recent conversation with Vulture, while preparing for his directorial role in the upcoming Thomas Crown Affair, Jordan emphasized his eagerness to take on a project deeply rooted in his long-held fandom.
He stated,
“Maybe, find an anime—maybe do a live-action version of that anime,”
—Michael B. Jordan, Actor/Director. The actor’s appreciation for anime has frequently surfaced in his work, including in the fight choreography and themes present in Creed III, where he often referenced classics like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and Hajime no Ippo during press events. This precedent hints that his genuine enthusiasm for anime might translate meaningfully into the world of live-action film.
The Challenge: Adapting Anime to Live Action
While Jordan draws inspiration from anime, he recognizes the challenge ahead. Historically, live-action anime adaptations in Hollywood have not always met fan expectations. The genre has been marked by notable disappointments, including Netflix’s take on Cowboy Bebop and the much-criticized Dragonball Evolution. High-profile attempts such as 2017’s Ghost in the Shell have struggled to capture the essence and complexity that make the original shows beloved. As he reflected,
“So maybe something around that space. Kind of cleanse the palette.”
—Michael B. Jordan, Actor/Director.
Despite these obstacles, Jordan remains passionate about providing a fresh take. He views stepping into anime adaptation as both a dream fulfillment and a departure from his established filmography, possibly re-invigorating the genre’s standing if handled with sensitivity and vision.
Potential Anime Favorites on Michael B. Jordan’s Wishlist
Speculation continues to swirl about which series Michael B. Jordan might select for his live-action debut. His personal tastes, shared during recent interviews, offer a few hints. Jordan has been watching Fire Force’s ongoing third season, and he holds a keen interest in the dynamic storylines of the Fate series, particularly Fate/Stay Night. These favorites suggest he could bring visually stunning and emotionally engaging worlds to life.
Fire Force, in particular, stands out as a strong prospect for adaptation. Its story introduces a society plagued by spontaneous human combustion, resulting in horrifying transformations into Infernals. The Special Fire Force, a team of firefighters with advanced pyrokinetic powers, confronts these threats in explosive battles. The energetic pacing and dramatic visuals of Atsushi Ohkubo’s manga and its anime adaptation could resonate with audiences on the big screen, especially under Jordan’s direction.
Jordan’s fondness for classic series like Naruto and Dragon Ball is also well-documented, but past adaptation failures—such as the 2007 Dragon Ball movie—indicate caution for those titles. Hajime no Ippo, with its boxing-centered drama and character growth, could be a natural choice given Jordan’s experience in the Creed franchise. However, he may prefer to step away from boxing themes for his anime project, pursuing something that offers new creative challenges and allows him to “cleanse the palette.”
What Michael B. Jordan’s Next Move Could Mean for Anime in Hollywood
Michael B. Jordan’s entrance into live-action anime adaptation holds significant implications for both Hollywood and devoted anime audiences. Given his established reputation, deep appreciation for anime, and directorial accomplishments, his involvement could spark renewed interest, bring critical attention, and raise quality standards for future adaptations. Fans and industry members alike are closely watching to see which series Jordan will choose for what could become a landmark Hollywood moment.
