Death Note Creators 'Loved' Netflix Movie Remake

Screen Rant

By Sean K. Cureton

Published Jul 26, 2017

Death Note creators reportedly 'loved' the forthcoming Netflix movie remake directed by Adam Wingard, according to producer Masi Oka.

It would appear that the creators of Death Note are big fans of the forthcoming Netflix adaptation directed by Adam Wingard. Following the release of the new Death Note movie's official trailer, many longtime fans of the original manga series - as written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata - have been a bit taken aback by the amended American setting and context.

Following the controversy that surrounded the release of the likeminded Ghost in the Shell adaptation from earlier this year, Wingard's forthcoming take on another cult classic Japanese property for American audiences is certain to divide audiences when it finally sees release on Netflix late next month. Featuring a cast of A-list Hollywood talent that includes starring turns from Nat Wolff as Light Turner, Lakeith Stanfield as L, Margaret Qualley as Mia Sutton, and Willem Dafoe as Ryuk, the Death Note remake will face a bit of an uphill battle when it comes to pleasing its core fan base - though it would appear that its original creators are quite pleased with it.

Courtesy of LRM, the cast and crew of the Death Note Netflix movie remake were on hand at San Diego Comic-Con 2017 last week to field a few questions regarding the amount of criticism that is already being levied against the new movie. Following a brief remark from the film's star, Wolff, that everyone involved are "huge fans of the source material" and that the entire crew tried their very best to do justice to the original manga series, producer Masi Oka was quick to cite the fact that Death Note creators Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata are especially pleased with the new movie, stating:

"The greatest moment for me was going to Japan and showing the film to [creators Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata], and we had a private screening for them. And when they came out and said, ‘Thank you,’ and ‘We love the film,’ it really just brought a tear to my eye, because I’m an otaku and a geek just like everyone. I grew up on this, so having the senseis be proud of our films makes me proud, and hopefully in turn will make the fans proud of the film as well."

Nat Wolff and Willem Dafoe in Death Note

Whether or not general viewers will concur with Ohba and Obata's assessment remains to be seen. Death Note has remained a frequently cited fan favorite of lovers of manga the world over since its initial publication in Weekly Shonen Jump starting in 2003, and in the 10-plus years since it has only managed to expand its spread of influence and popularity.

Wingard may have hit a bit of a creative snag with the release of Blair Witch last year, but if his early work in the realm of indie horror - see You're Next and The Guest - serves as any indication of his latent abilities behind the camera, then perhaps Ohba and Obata can be believed in regards to the quality of Death Note. On that note, here's to hoping for the very best from the forthcoming Netflix movie remake.