Netflix developing anime series around Pacific Rim, Altered Carbon

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Audiences have sat through two PACIFIC RIM movies since the first one from Guillermo del Toro arrived in 2013, and after ingesting all that carnage and robot-monster blockbuster action it’s time for the series to go down the route it always should have as an anime series. Netflix announced it will be working on an anime series based on the movies, as well as four other new anime titles, including one around their live-action series ALTERED CARBON.

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Deadline is reporting that Netflix is developing five new anime series, with the aforementioned two being based on existing properties, with the other three drawing from historical tales and graphic novels. The most notable entry is the RIM series, which will tell a separate story set in the same world. As for CARBON, the anime series will act as a companion piece to the live-action show, the first season of which debuted earlier this year and starred Joel Kinnaman.

Here is the full list with brief descriptions:

• Pacific Rim, which expands the world of the two live-action movies of the same name, returns to the epic battle of Kaiju and Jaegers. The original anime series follows two siblings — an idealistic teenage boy and his naïve younger sister — who are forced to pilot an abandoned Jaeger across a hostile landscape in a desperate attempt to find their missing parents. Co-showrunners are Craig Kyle (Thor:Ragnarok) and Greg Johnson (X-Men: Evolution). The series comes from Legendary Entertainment (Kong: Skull Island; Pokemon: Detective Pikachu)
• Altered Carbon: Set in the same universe as the Netflix-live-action sci-fi series — which is currently in production — Altered Carbon will explore new elements of the story mythology. The series comes from the animation studio, Anima and will be written by Dai Sato (Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo) and Tsukasa Kondo.
• Cagaster of an Insect Cage: From the animation studio Gonzo (Hellsing, Afro Samurai), Cagaster of an Insect Cage is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a mysterious disease “Cagaster” turns people into giant murderous insects, this manga-based series follows the struggle of a young couple to stay alive. Koichi Chigira (Last Exile, Full Metal Panic!) directs.
• Yasuke: Set in a war-torn Japan of mechs and magic, Yasuke follows a retired ronin who must take up his sword when he is charged with the task of transporting a mysterious child who dark forces want to eliminate. The series from the animation studio MAPPA will feature the voice of Sorry to Bother You star Lakeith Stanfield as the titular protagonist, which is based on the historical samurai of African origin who fought with Oda Nobunaga. Creator/Director/Executive Producer is LeSean Thomas (The Boondocks, Cannon Busters) while the Grammy-nominated Flying Lotus will compose the music and serve as an Executive Producer.
• Trese: Set in a Manila where the mythical creatures of Philippine folklore live in hiding amongst humans, Alexandra Trese finds herself going head to head with a criminal underworld comprised of malevolent supernatural beings. This anime series is based on the Philippine graphic novel by the same name, created by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldissimo. Jay Oliva (Wonder Woman, The Legend of Korra) will serve as Executive Producer. Producers are Shanty Harmayn and Tanya Yuson at BASE Entertainment, a studio based in Jakarta and Singapore.

After this year's PACIFIC RIM: UPRISING failed to be the hit both domestically and abroad people were hoping for, it makes sense for the series to go straight to the roots that inspired it. Del Toro made the movie as an ode to the same types of action-packed manga and anime, taking that same visual aesthetic, epic premise and chaotic action and giving it a big budget to bring to life on the big screen. The series should be an anime series, but hopefully, showrunners Craig Kyle (THOR: RAGNAROK) and Greg Johnson (X-MEN: EVOLUTION) can add a level of ingenuity to it to set it apart from similar shows.

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ALTERED CARBON also makes a lot of sense, with the live-action series (based on the 2002 novel by Richard K. Morgan) having the bleak, futuristic look that calls to mind famous anime films like AKIRA and GHOST IN THE SHELL. It should make an excellent companion piece to the main series, which has been greenlit for a second season starring Anthony Mackie.