The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of My Hero Academia is taking shape, with series creator Kōhei Horikoshi playing a pivotal role in its development. Screenwriter Jason Fuchs, known for his work on Wonder Woman and It, recently shared insights into the project, revealing that Horikoshi is “very involved” in ensuring the Netflix film captures the essence of the beloved manga and anime series.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Fuchs emphasized the mangaka’s hands-on approach, stating, “there’s nothing that Kōhei doesn’t give notes on, react to [with] thumbs up, thumbs down.” This level of oversight underscores Netflix’s commitment to delivering a faithful adaptation of the global phenomenon, which has amassed over 100 million copies in circulation since its debut in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 2014. Horikoshi’s detailed feedback on every aspect of the screenplay—from outlines to individual scenes—signals a collaborative effort to preserve the story’s intricate world-building and emotional depth.
While the project remains in its “very early” stages, Fuchs expressed optimism about its trajectory, saying, “I feel really confident that we’re gonna deliver something that fans, like myself, feel great about.” His confidence stems from Horikoshi’s active participation, which ensures the adaptation stays true to the source material’s themes of heroism, perseverance, and personal growth. The manga, which concluded earlier this year, has spawned a sprawling franchise including multiple anime seasons, video games, and stage plays, making the stakes high for a cinematic debut.
Specific details about the film’s production, such as casting or a directorial appointment, have yet to be announced. However, industry sources suggest casting calls may launch in the coming months, prioritizing talent capable of embodying the diverse ensemble of U.A. High School’s aspiring heroes. Netflix, which has previously adapted anime like Death Note and Cowboy Bebop, appears to be leveraging lessons from those experiences, emphasizing creator involvement to avoid past criticisms of tonal or cultural disconnects.
The live-action My Hero Academia is expected to focus on the manga’s early arcs, chronicling Izuku Midoriya’s journey from a quirkless dreamer to a determined student at a prestigious hero academy. This setup promises a blend of high-octane action—featuring the series’ signature quirk-based battles—and heartfelt character moments. Horikoshi’s guidance is likely to ensure that Midoriya’s underdog spirit and the vibrant world of pro heroes translate effectively to the big screen.
The film’s development aligns with a broader trend of successful anime-to-live-action adaptations, such as Netflix’s One Piece series, which demonstrated the potential for faithful translations when creators are closely involved. With Horikoshi’s meticulous input, the My Hero Academia film aims to capture the same magic that has made the franchise a cultural touchstone.
At the heart of the story is Midoriya’s relentless pursuit of his dream. Here's Crunchyroll's description of the series:
Izuku has dreamt of being a hero all his life—a lofty goal for anyone, but especially challenging for a kid with no superpowers. That’s right, in a world where eighty percent of the population has some kind of super-powered ‘quirk,’ Izuku was unlucky enough to be born completely normal. But that’s not enough to stop him from enrolling in one of the world’s most prestigious hero academies
As the project progresses, fans can expect further updates, potentially including casting announcements or concept art reveals at upcoming industry events. With Horikoshi’s stamp of approval guiding the way, the live-action My Hero Academia is poised to honor its source material while introducing its inspiring tale to a new audience.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
