It is rumored that Netflix is currently working on a bunch of live-action anime adaptations. After the success of its previous live-action adaptations, such as Deathnote or Avatar: The Last Airbender, Netflix is keen on investing in more projects. One of the anime that Netflix has on its remake list, is Yu Yu Hakusho. Based on Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga series, Yu Yu Hakusho was definitely ahead of its time with its supernatural martial arts theme. The inspiration for the original manga was taken from Buddhist mythology, as well as from occult and horror films. The 112-episode anime adaptation followed the manga pretty closely and is quite popular. Given the popularity of both the manga and the anime, many are curious to see what plans Netflix has for the live-action adaptation.
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Netflix Gives Fans a Glimpse into YuYu Hakusho Live-Action Remake
According to reports, Netflix’s live-action adaptation will premiere worldwide in December 2023. In addition to the release dates, Netflix has announced the main cast. Fans are already buzzing with excitement due to the character reveal posters. So far, the character posters have done a great job at capturing the grim and fantastical atmosphere of the anime. Sho Tsukikawa has been taken on board as the director for the Yu Yu Hakusho live-action remake.
Many fans are curious to know whether Netflix’s live-action adaptation will stick to the original source or will it stray a little to give the audience more insight into the various storylines. Here are some story themes/arcs that the live-action is expected to explore:
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The Cast
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The lead role of the bash spirit detective, Yusuke Uresmeshi, is played by Takumi Kitamura. Known for his performance in Let Me Eat Your Pancreas and Tokyo Revengers. Jun Shison, well-known for his roles in Battle of Supreme High and Bubble. He will be portraying the mysterious demon, Kurama. The Attack on Titan actor Kanata Hongo will portray the edgy demon Hiei. Meanwhile, Shuhei Uesugi will be playing the role of Kazuma Kuwabara, also known as Yusuke’s high school rival and best friend.
Dark Tournament Arc
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The Dark Tournament arc was definitely a fan favorite. The Demon World Tournament, which is a dark martial arts tournament, is a competition held on Hanging Neck Island, and consists of sixteen teams, each team made up of five fighters. While the battle between all the teams is quite engrossing, everyone seems particularly excited to see the way Team Toguro will be portrayed. Team Toguro comprises incredibly powerful demons ranging from Lower to Upper B Class demons. Not only have they participated in the last Dark Tournament, but are also the main antagonists of this particular arc. Many fans are curious to see how Netflix portrays Team Toguro in its live-action remake.
Yusuke’s Mother
Fans are also interested to see how the live-action remake will portray various characters such as Yusuke’s mother, Atsuko. In the anime, Atsuko is shown as an irresponsible mother who is mostly drunk and ignores her son’s presence. However, Atsuko’s character in the manga is more involved in the larger storyline. She’s still a neglectful mother, but has a spiritual sense, much like her son. Not only is she shown fighting demons, but it seems that she also has connections to the Yakuza and other underworldly creatures.
This little tidbit of information has fans buzzing with curiosity. Many are wondering if the live-action will stay true to the original source and give the audience a deeper glimpse into Atsuko’s character, or will they stick to the anime, keeping Atsuko’s involvement to the minimum.
Kuwabara’s Transformation
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Another character that fans are excited to see is Kuwabara. In the anime, Kuwabara is shown to rely highly on his ability to brawl, unlike Kurama, who relies on his brain to formulate strategies.
However, within the Dark Tournament arc in the anime, Kuwabara is shown to rely a little on his brain as well as his brawling ability. Kuwabara may be shown as the weakest character, but as the anime progresses, he also grows as a fighter. It would be interesting to see how Netflix portrays Kuwabara’s character and the way he develops over the course of the story.
Kurama’s Past
A character that surrounds quite a lot of mystery is Yoko Kurama. Originally a silver-haired fox demon, Kurama puts his spirit into the body of a human baby after being wounded. Throughout the series, Kurama is seen struggling to balance his two personalities (human and demon side). While the anime does reveal Kurama’s origins and shows him as a calculating and analytical person, much about Kurama is left in the shadows. Many fans are hoping that the Netflix remake will shed more light on his character and circumstances.
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Hiei’s Confession
Perhaps one of the most anticipated characters is that of Hiei. Throughout the series, he comes off as aloof and elusive, but deep down struggles with his identity as a loner and has abandonment issues. He’s also notorious for his reputation in the Demon World as a killer or as he likes to refer to himself, a “vile monster that kills people”. Hiei was also separated from his sister at birth and doesn’t reveal his identity when he reunites with her, mostly because of the reputation he holds. Many anticipate the sibling reunion in the live-action remake and are wondering if Netflix will further explore the relationship between the two characters.
Musical Score
A majority of anime-lovers would argue that the opening and ending soundtracks of an anime are all part of the watching experience. Fans of YuYu Hakusho also have an attachment to the anime’s opening theme, “Smile Bomb”, which was sung by Mawatari Matsuko. So far, Netflix has yet to reveal any information about the music selection for the live-action. However, this doesn’t stop fans from hoping that Netflix would keep the original opening for nostalgia’s sake at the very least. It seems that only time will tell if Netflix wishes to provoke nostalgia or will they be bringing in a completely new opening theme for the remake.
