News
November 04, 2025
Chloé Zhao & Nicolas Gonda Launch Kodansha Studios To Create Live-Action Adaptations From Manga Library
EXCLUSIVE: Two-time Oscar winner Chloé Zhao and Nicolas Gonda have just opened the doors to Kodansha Studios, a new global studio dedicated to creating premium, live-action movies and television series based on hit manga properties. Kodansha Studios will leverage the Kodansha library, which is the leading Japanese publisher behind such beloved manga as Akira and Attack on Titan, [...]
Hollywood gets a manga makeover with the launch of Kodansha Studios, a brand new production powerhouse dedicated to bringing beloved Japanese manga to life in live-action. The studio is the brainchild of two-time Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao and seasoned producer Nicolas Gonda, promising a fresh wave of adaptations for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Kodansha Studios will have a significant advantage right from the start: access to the extensive and celebrated Kodansha manga library. Kodansha is a leading Japanese publisher, responsible for some of the most iconic and globally recognized manga titles in history. This treasure trove includes groundbreaking works like “Akira,” the cyberpunk masterpiece, and “Attack on Titan,” the dark fantasy epic that has captivated audiences worldwide.
The collaboration between Zhao and Gonda brings together a unique blend of artistic vision and industry expertise. Zhao, known for her visually stunning and emotionally resonant films like "Nomadland" and "Eternals," will undoubtedly bring a distinctive cinematic style to these adaptations. Gonda, with his proven track record in film production, will handle the logistical and business aspects of bringing these ambitious projects to fruition.
The move signals a growing appetite for manga adaptations in the Western market. While some past attempts have met with mixed reactions, Kodansha Studios aims to set a new standard for quality and faithfulness to the source material. By partnering with established and respected talents like Zhao and Gonda, they are positioning themselves to deliver adaptations that honor the spirit of the original manga while appealing to a broader international audience.
The establishment of Kodansha Studios marks an exciting new chapter for manga fans and film enthusiasts alike. The promise of high-quality, live-action adaptations of beloved stories from the Kodansha library is sure to generate significant buzz and anticipation in the coming years. The studio’s future projects are eagerly awaited, as audiences wonder which iconic manga will be the first to grace the silver screen under this new banner.
Kodansha Studios will have a significant advantage right from the start: access to the extensive and celebrated Kodansha manga library. Kodansha is a leading Japanese publisher, responsible for some of the most iconic and globally recognized manga titles in history. This treasure trove includes groundbreaking works like “Akira,” the cyberpunk masterpiece, and “Attack on Titan,” the dark fantasy epic that has captivated audiences worldwide.
The collaboration between Zhao and Gonda brings together a unique blend of artistic vision and industry expertise. Zhao, known for her visually stunning and emotionally resonant films like "Nomadland" and "Eternals," will undoubtedly bring a distinctive cinematic style to these adaptations. Gonda, with his proven track record in film production, will handle the logistical and business aspects of bringing these ambitious projects to fruition.
The move signals a growing appetite for manga adaptations in the Western market. While some past attempts have met with mixed reactions, Kodansha Studios aims to set a new standard for quality and faithfulness to the source material. By partnering with established and respected talents like Zhao and Gonda, they are positioning themselves to deliver adaptations that honor the spirit of the original manga while appealing to a broader international audience.
The establishment of Kodansha Studios marks an exciting new chapter for manga fans and film enthusiasts alike. The promise of high-quality, live-action adaptations of beloved stories from the Kodansha library is sure to generate significant buzz and anticipation in the coming years. The studio’s future projects are eagerly awaited, as audiences wonder which iconic manga will be the first to grace the silver screen under this new banner.
Category:
Entertainment