Netflix
Netflix is supposedly searching for a game changer in its Original movies output, as the company want to replicate the success and phenomenon of shows like Stranger Things.
And in its quest to capture the zeitgeist when it comes to the big screen the streaming giant is looking to push a number of titles, including a second Death Note movie, according to reports.
Yes, you heard us. Death Note 2 – the sequel no one asked for.
Having famously struck out with their initial – and not-so faithful – adaption of the HUGELY popular anime and manga, the streaming service are going ahead with a sequel.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix have lined-up Greg Russo to pen the script for what could be one of the most controversial sequels of all time – were talking Die Hard 2 territory here.
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The publication broke the news of Death note sequel in an in-depth report into the streaming services quest to break it big at the box office (and chase awards gold), stating:
Among properties it already owns, Netflix is developing a sequel to 2017s horror-thriller Death Note, which [Ted] Sarandos has called a “sizable” success, with Greg Russo writing the script.
Considering that the 2017 film bombed not only with fans of the anime and manga (Netflix were accused of not only whitewashing, but also besmirching the name of arguably the biggest anime and manga series of the new millennium), but also with audience unfamiliar with Light and Ryuks adventures in murder.
This was despite lining-up some major talent to give the film some chops, including Willem Defoe in the role of the iconic Shinigami, Ryuk.
Racking up a score of just 40% with critics on Rotten Tomatoes, the reviews from movie critics were not favourable.
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Director Adam Wingard has robbed Death Note of its identity, messing up nearly everything that made the original series so compelling, wrote Clio Chang of The New Republic.
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And David Ehrlich of IndieWire blasted: Part of you will wish this had been a Netflix show instead of a Netflix movie – part of you will wish Netflix had left it alone altogether.
In fact, Metro.co.uk gave it just two stars, noting: Netflixs Death Note has been another victim to white washing controversy in its casting choices, but theres far more fundamental issues with this anime adaptation.
It wasnt just critics who hated it either as the film managed to do far worse with audiences, who rated it only 24%.
Maybe its best to leave this one be Netflix?
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