Live-action remake of Your Name sets Lee Isaac Chung as director

One of Japan's highest-grossing films of all time is about to get the live-action treatment thanks to Paramount, Bad Robot, and Toho. It's been announced that Lee Isaac Chung (MUNYURANGOBO, MINARI) will rewrite and direct a live-action adaptation of YOUR NAME, which depicts a powerful story about connections, and how being worlds apart is no obstacle for destined friendship.

Chung will rewrite from a draft penned by Emily V. Gordon. Meanwhile, the script was originally written by ARRIVAL screenwriter Eric Heisserer. Bad Robot’s J.J. Abrams will produce along with Genki Kawamura, who was a producer on the original. Toho will be in charge of distribution in Japan while Paramount is expected to handle the fantasy drama's release in other territories. For Chung's reimagined version, two teenagers discover they are magically and intermittently swapping bodies. When a disaster threatens to upend their lives, they must journey to meet and save their worlds. (via Deadline)

Ever since the film's 2017 release, many have hailed YOUR NAME as one of the greatest animated films of all time. The film made $303 million during its theatrical run in Japan, then banked even more cash once North American anime fans were given the chance to experience the magic for themselves. The original film was directed and written by Makoto Shinkai, a Japanese filmmaker known for releasing films that are breathtakingly gorgeous, and are emotional roller coasters to boot. If you're game to check out some of Makoto Shinkai's other films, I highly recommend THE PLACE PROMISED IN OUR EARLY DAYS or 5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND. Both are visually splendiferous in all the ways you want a majestic anime to be and don't be surprised if you find yourself shedding a tear or two during each epic finale.