One-Punch Man Film: Is Justin Lin Still in the Ring?

Thescreescore – Despite a period of relative quiet, the live-action adaptation of the wildly popular manga and anime series, One-Punch Man, is still very much alive at Sony, with Justin Lin (Fast & Furious franchise) remaining attached to direct. This news comes amidst reports of Lin’s involvement in Sony’s adaptation of Helldivers 2, sparking questions about his upcoming directorial commitments.

The One-Punch Man movie, based on the comedic superhero saga created by One, has been in development for over five years. The story centers on Saitama, a hero capable of defeating any foe with a single punch, leading to his existential quest for a worthy challenge. The project gained momentum in 2020 with writers Scott Rosenberg and Jeff Pinkner (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) initially penning the script. Lin’s involvement was announced in the summer of 2022, but progress appeared to stall.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lin is still slated to direct One-Punch Man. This confirmation offers a glimmer of hope for fans eager to see Saitama’s world translated to live-action.

The script has undergone revisions, with Rick and Morty co-creator Dan Harmon and series veteran Heather Anne Campbell brought on to refine the story. It remains unclear whether these rewrites are complete or if Lin intends to utilize them.

Interestingly, Lin recently stepped away from directing Amazon MGM’s Stakehorse, a crime thriller. This move could indicate a strategic realignment of his schedule, potentially paving the way for him to prioritize One-Punch Man. While his commitments to Helldivers and Keanu Reeves’ BRZRKR raise questions about his next project, his continued collaboration with Sony on Helldivers could streamline the process of overcoming any remaining hurdles in adapting the beloved anime.

The extended development period for One-Punch Man might ultimately benefit the film. Several live-action anime and manga adaptations have been released in recent years, with varying degrees of success. The creative team can learn from both the triumphs of One Piece and Alice in Borderland and the missteps of Cowboy Bebop and Knights of the Zodiac. With the anime’s third season receiving mixed reactions, a thoughtful and deliberate approach is crucial for a successful adaptation that honors One’s source material.