Manny Jacinto, the rising star known for his roles in various titles, has stirred excitement among anime fans by expressing his desire to play the iconic character Levi Ackerman in a potential live-action adaptation of the popular anime series Attack on Titan. While attending Megacon last month, Jacinto revealed, "That is my dream job — to play Levi Ackerman in live-action," captivating the audience eager for news about the future of this beloved anime.
The curiosity surrounding the idea of bringing Attack on Titan to the silver screen isn’t unfounded. Back in 2018, Warner Bros. Discovery secured the rights to adapt the series, which is based on the manga written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama. Acclaimed filmmaker Andy Muschietti, known for directing The Flash, was announced as the project's director, igniting hope among fans for this long-awaited live-action film.
Unfortunately, since the rights acquisition, very little progress has been reported, leading many to wonder whether the project has stalled indefinitely. Over the past seven years, updates have been scarce, hinting toward the possibility of the film being shelved entirely. Yet, the enthusiasm from actors like Jacinto underlines the potential for such adaptations to regain traction, especially considering the immense popularity of Attack on Titan.
Meanwhile, MAPPA — the anime studio behind the original series — continues to thrive, having solidified its place as one of the most prolific names in the industry. Known for high-impact series including Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and the concluding chapters of Attack on Titan, MAPPA has made waves with its unique storytelling and animation style. Despite the looming end of Attack on Titan, 2025 is shaping up to be another landmark year for the studio.
The year kicked off with the January release of Zenshu, MAPPA's new original series, which showcases the studio's commitment to innovate within the anime genre. Following this, audiences can look forward to the premiere of Lazarus, expected to hit screens in April 2025. Renowned for his works such as Cowboy Bebop, Shinichiro Watanabe's involvement is expected to attract both new viewers and die-hard fans alike.
Another eagerly anticipated project is the second season of Dorohedoro, which has been generating buzz since its debut season aired back in 2020. This series' unique blend of dark fantasy and humor has captivated audiences, keeping anticipation high for its return.
On the film front, MAPPA is set to deliver its largest slate of movie releases to date. Exciting titles like The Rose of Versailles, alongside plans for a Zombie Land Saga movie, and the long-anticipated return of the beloved franchise with Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc, showcase the studio’s prowess. With Chainsaw Man having been dormant for nearly three years as of March 2025, this film marks the franchise's significant resurgence.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Attack on Titan live-action film, the reception of MAPPA's upcoming projects seems promising. Fans remain hopeful as they anticipate what could emerge from the adaptation efforts, especially with actors like Manny Jacinto expressing their passions for such roles. Getting the right talent onboard could play a pivotal role in rekindling interest and ensuring faithful representation of the original material.
The discussion of live-action adaptations often invokes mixed feelings among fans, highlighting fears of misrepresentation. Yet, with voices like Jacinto's entering the narrative, there’s hope for something truly refined and engaging. Navigational intricacies surrounding the adaptation of animated works to live-action formats can be complex; the difference between honoring source material and offering something fresh is often delicate. Yet, with talented individuals taking lead roles—whether behind or on screen—these adaptations may yet flourish.
While updates on the Attack on Titan film remain murky, MAPPA's flagship status and active projects reinforce the possibility of continued excellence. The studio’s deep-seated connection with fans across various anime titles demonstrates its ability to adapt compelling narratives and generate excitement, ensuring the legacy of great storytelling continues. For fans, both existing and new, the coming years promise not only the potential for renewed adaptations but also the birth of new fandoms.
For now, the anime community watches with bated breath, wondering if Manny Jacinto will fulfill his wish to portray Levi Ackerman, and whether the wheel will turn, bringing the live-action adaptation of Attack on Titan back from the ashes. Whichever direction the industry takes, one truth remains: the love for anime remains as potent and fervent as the day the titan first breached the walls.