Wonder Woman scriptwriter Jason Fuchs to write My Hero Academia Live Action film

My Hero Academia Live action film
My Hero Academia Live action film (Image credit: Studio Bones)

My Hero Academia Live Action is finally moving forward, and the news is bigger than anyone expected. After years of speculation and silence around the project, Netflix and Legendary Pictures have officially tapped Jason Fuchs, the screenwriter of Wonder Woman and co-creator of It: Welcome to Derry, to write the highly anticipated adaptation.

With Japanese filmmaker Shinsuke Sato (Bleach, Kingdom, Alice in Borderland) still attached as director, this latest update has reignited fan hopes that My Hero Academia may succeed where many live-action anime adaptations have failed. The project was first announced in 2018, but details have been scarce ever since. Legendary Pictures acquired the rights, and Netflix later came on board as distributor.

Ever since this news has dropped, fans have shown mixed emotions towards this project, as live-action adaptations have a bad reputation for butchering the source. Until now, most of what fans knew about the film was that Joby Harold (Obi-Wan Kenobi) had once been linked to the screenplay.

Key visual of My Hero Academia (Image credit: Studio Bones)
Key visual of My Hero Academia (Image credit: Studio Bones)

That left many concerned about whether the film would honor Kōhei Horikoshi’s beloved manga. Unlike some anime with surreal or overly fantastical premises, My Hero Academia is, in many ways, tailor-made for live-action. At its core, it is a superhero story; something Hollywood has decades of experience adapting.

Here are two key reasons why this adaptation could succeed:

  1. Unique Powers (Quirks) - Every student at U.A. High has a distinct ability, from explosive blasts to gravity manipulation. These quirks are visually spectacular and can be realized with today’s advanced CGI.
  2. Massive Fanbase - With over 100 million manga copies in circulation, multiple anime films, and a global following, MHA is already a cultural phenomenon. A well-made adaptation could unite longtime fans with new audiences, similar to what Netflix achieved with One Piece.

Although this announcement does not clarify what became of Joby Harold, who had originally been attached as screenwriter. This is hardly a shock, as in Hollywood, it is not unusual for multiple writers to touch the same script during development. It is possible that Harold’s draft didn’t align with Netflix’s vision, or that creative differences led to a replacement.


The State of Anime in Hollywood

Deku, as seen in My Hero Academia anime (Image credit: Studio Bones)
Deku, as seen in My Hero Academia anime (Image credit: Studio Bones)

Netflix has been making a strong push into anime adaptations. After the divisive Cowboy Bebop and Death Note, many assumed the streaming giant would slow down. Now, My Hero Academia Live Action could be the next test. While One Piece benefited from its swashbuckling adventure vibe, MHA carries the weight of superhero fatigue in Hollywood.

Still, its unique take on heroes and villains might be exactly the fresh perspective audiences need. Some fans are hyped about Fuchs’ involvement, citing Wonder Woman as proof he can handle heroic narratives. Others worry whether Netflix will invest enough money to do justice to the quirks and large ensemble cast.


Is the My Hero Academia Live Action project finally in safe Hands?

Deku as seen in anime (Image credit: Studio Bones)
Deku as seen in anime (Image credit: Studio Bones)

The announcement of Jason Fuchs as the writer for My Hero Academia Live Action has breathed new life into a project many thought had stalled. With his proven ability to craft compelling superhero stories and Shinsuke Sato’s steady hand as director, this film may have the right creative team to succeed. And that, in itself, is a Plus Ultra dream worth chasing. If done right, though, My Hero Academia Live Action could be more than just another anime adaptation.

Edited by Nisarga Kakade