Oscar-winning filmmaker Chloe Zhao is stepping into an interesting new creative chapter, one that could reshape how Hollywood tackles live-action manga.
The Eternals director has teamed up with Nicolas Gonda to help lead Kodansha Studios, a newly launched production company focused on developing “premium” live-action adaptations of some of Japan’s most iconic manga.
According to Deadline, Kodansha Studios aims to “connect international filmmakers with renowned Japanese manga authors” to produce top-tier adaptations drawn from the publisher’s massive library.
That library includes some of the biggest names in the genre, such as Attack on Titan and Akira, two titles that have had a huge cultural impact around the world.
In a statement, Zhao shared her personal connection to manga and her vision for the studio’s mission:
“I grew up reading and drawing manga. I love being a part of the fandoms and I feel a deep sense of belonging with people around the world who share their love for these characters and stories.
“Kodansha has an unparalleled library of manga and novels cultivated by master storytellers just waiting to be brought to life onscreen.
“By connecting these brilliant authors with their filmmaker counterparts internationally, we can empower both parties while driving a wave of exceptional storytelling for audiences all over the world.”
Zhao will serve as Chief Creative Officer, with Gonda acting as President and COO. The goal is to bring together Japanese creators and international filmmakers to craft adaptations that stay true to the heart of their source material while reaching a global audience.
It’s easy to draw parallels between Zhao’s new role and James Gunn’s position at DC Studios. Like Gunn, Zhao is focusing on the creative direction of a studio while collaborating closely with an executive partner handling the business side.
While no specific projects or release timelines have been announced, Kodansha Studios is positioning itself as a major player in the next wave of manga and anime adaptations.
With Zhao at the creative helm and Kodansha’s legendary catalog behind her, this could be the start of something groundbreaking — a new era where manga finally gets the thoughtful, high-quality live-action treatment fans have been waiting for.
Only time will tell if Zhao’s new venture delivers on its promise, but with her passion, pedigree, and creative vision, this could be the beginning of an exciting evolution for manga storytelling on the big screen.
