Sony’s Columbia Pictures revealed plans in April 2020 for a live-action adaptation of the widely popular manga, One Punch Man. However, concerns have emerged regarding whether the film will faithfully capture the aim of the source material, as many anime adaptations fail to maintain the spirit of the originals.
Initially, Scott Rosenberg and Jeff Pinkner, known for their contributions to the Jumanji films and Venom, were attached as screenwriters, with Marvel Studios’ founder Avi Arad producing. By 2022, Justin Lin, recognized for directing multiple Fast and Furious installments, was brought on board to helm the project.
Balancing absurdity and sincerity will be crucial for the film’s success (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)A recent development regarding the One Punch Man movie revealed that Dan Harmon, the mind behind Community and Rick and Morty, has been enlisted to rework the script alongside Heather Anne Campbell. Specific details about the film remain scarce, but the rewrites suggest a fresh perspective on the storyline.
Although numerous fan-casting ideas circulate online, no official cast members have been announced. Given the uncertainty surrounding the project, fans are eager to see if the film will successfully retain the eccentric energy that defines the One Punch Man anime.
One Punch Man Live-Action Movie Must Preserve the Anime’s Absurdity
The One Punch Man live-action film will likely follow in the footsteps of recent superhero parody productions by embracing the original anime’s comedic aspects. Taking place in an alternate Earth setting, One Punch Man follows the immensely powerful hero Saitama, whose unflappable attitude stems from never facing a true challenge.
His apathetic expressions and casual demeanor are central to the humor, making it essential for the adaptation to incorporate these traits. However, Saitama isn’t the sole contributor to the series’ humor, as One Punch Man features numerous other bizarre elements that add to its comedic appeal.
A key component of the anime’s humor comes from its over-the-top character designs, which create visual contrasts and enhance physical comedy. Figures like Pineapple and Puri-Puri Prisoner stand out with their flamboyant appearances, juxtaposed against more ordinary-looking characters such as Mumen Rider.
The transition of these unique visuals into live-action could prove challenging, as many adaptations struggle with maintaining the exaggerated aesthetics of anime.
Despite these difficulties, the film must ensure that its quirky humor and outlandish moments remain intact, as these elements form the core of what makes One Punch Man so beloved.
One Punch Man Should Maintain a Serious Approach Despite Its Absurdity
While the storyline of One Punch Man may seem outlandish, the live-action film should still handle its subject matter with sincerity. Saitama is undeniably one of the most powerful anime protagonists, and though the series playfully mocks superhero tropes—such as his deadpan delivery of “consecutive normal punches”—the film should not lean too heavily into parody.
Instead, taking the source material seriously while enjoying its eccentricities will be key in making the adaptation work without diminishing the original’s charm, as seen in other unsuccessful attempts to bring anime to live-action.
Large-Scale Action Scenes Must Be Approached With Care
The action-heavy nature of the anime means the live-action film must present intense battle sequences with the same level of seriousness. Saitama’s overwhelming power is an integral part of the series, but what truly distinguishes him is not just his strength, but his attitude toward heroism.
According to the anime’s creator, ONE, Saitama’s personality and perspective define him more than his abilities. By prioritizing dynamic action scenes, the adaptation will have the opportunity to showcase Saitama’s characteristic deadpan reactions as he effortlessly dispatches enemies, maintaining both the action-packed nature of the series and its signature humor.
Live-Action Anime Adaptations Often Struggle to Honor Their Origins
Many anime adaptations have faced criticism for deviating too much from their original material. Whether due to Westernization or the challenges of translating animation into live-action, numerous projects have fallen short.
Can live-action truly replicate the over-the-top visuals of One Punch Man (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)Jeff Pinkner, one of the initial writers for One Punch Man, was also involved in Netflix’s 2021 Cowboy Bebop adaptation, which faced widespread backlash despite praise for its casting.
With Dan Harmon now overseeing script revisions, there is renewed optimism that One Punch Man will retain the offbeat humor and absurdity that define the anime, as Harmon has experience handling unconventional comedy through Rick and Morty.
The Difficulty of Bringing Anime to Live-Action
Translating an anime into a live-action format is no easy feat, but some adaptations fail so spectacularly that the results are nearly unforgivable. Fans certainly do not want One Punch Man to suffer the same fate as Dragonball Evolution, which was both a critical and commercial disaster.
However, with modern CGI advancements and an increased appreciation for anime in Hollywood, there is a greater ability to replicate anime-style physics and an increased dedication to getting adaptations right.
A successful example of this is One Piece, which received widespread acclaim, earning an 86% critic score and a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes for its first season. Given this, One Punch Man’s live-action movie has a promising chance of staying true to its source material if handled properly.