.png)
2 hours ago
6
Movies based on animated series have a 50-50 chance of succeeding. The added pressure of a pre-established fanbase can either make or break the project. Genndy Tartakovsky is a legend in the animated world, with gems like Hotel Transylvania, Primal, Dexter’s Laboratory, and many more.
The Samurai Jack animated series which was released in 2001 became exponentially famous. However, most fans aren’t aware that there was once a live-action movie planned for the beloved series. One of the most famous faces in Hollywood, J.J. Abrams was approached to take on the task, but it unfortunately didn’t work out. Given the chance of the movie being planned again, action star Hiroyuki Sanada would be the best choice for the role.
Huge plans for the animated series: An unfortunate end
Genndy Tartakovsky‘s Samurai Jack series had over the years established its niche fanbase. The animated show became so popular that the creator hoped to develop it for the big screen. In 2007, Frederator Films signed the creator to work on a live-action adaptation.
A still from Samurai Jack | Credits: Cartoon Network & Adult Swim In an older article by Film Junk (via Web Archive.org) the company had revealed that the project had gained a known face. Popular Hollywood filmmaker, J.J. Abrams was supposed to co-produce the upcoming film.
The anticipated 3D movie had a budget of $20 million and was being backed by Paramount Pictures. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out and the movie never saw the light of the day.
According to an interview Tartakovsky had with Coming Soon, the opportunity was lost due to an unexpected diversion. The writer claimed that Abrams backed out to work on the 2013 film, Star Trek Into Darkness.
Hollywood ruins everything.
Later, the Hotel Transylvania director revealed at the 2022 Comic-Con (via Inverse) that since then, several directors had reached out for other projects. Speaking of his series, Primal he said he didn’t want Hollywood to make live-action versions of his series.
Thank God that didn’t happen.
At the same time, he revealed that the scrapped script for the Samurai Jack film was disastrous. Tartakovsky claimed he was relieved the movie was called off.
Potential lead: The Last Samurai himself
Hiroyuki Sanada in The Last Samurai | Credits: Warner Bros. Hiroyuki Sanada has been active in the industry for decades, appearing in major films. He starred in Hugh Jackman‘s The Wolverine, Avengers: Endgame, Mortal Kombat, and even John Wick: Chapter 4.
The Japanese actor gained prominence in Hollywood due to his roles in The Twilight Samurai (2002), The Last Samurai (2003), and Rush Hour 3 (2007). But it was the 2024 FX historical drama series, Shōgun which garnered him critical acclaim.
Hiroyuki Sanada in Shōgun | Credits: FX on Hulu The actor portrayed one of his best performances, physically and emotionally, as Yoshii Toranaga in the show. His swordsmanship and lethal moves proved that age was just a number. The 63-year-old actor would be one of the best choices to play the live-action version of Samurai Jack.
If the film is ever made again then Sanada essaying the role of the elusive samurai would be brilliant. Fans of both the actor and the show would love to see him bring authenticity to the unique storyline.
Bengali (BD) · 
English (US) ·