Producers slam Hollywood demand for ‘cheap’ anime after Star Wars & Lord of the Rings adaptations

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Producers at Japanese animation studio CoMix Wave Films have voiced criticism regarding the growing trend of Hollywood franchises like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and John Wick adopting anime styles, stating that there’s a lack of genuine understanding and appreciation for the art form.

In the late ’90s and early 2000s, Anime gained significant popularity in the Western world, as shows such as One Piece, Naruto, and Dragon Ball Z became popular choices for after-school viewing. However, its influence has grown even further in recent times, with once-niche interests transitioning into mainstream culture.

In the world of Hollywood, these genres (specifically, science fiction, fantasy, and action) tend to draw large audiences. Titles like Star Wars: Visions, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, and an animated John Wick spin-off are either already released or being developed for release.

However, while certain studios are eager to capitalize, voices from within the industry are expressing concern that anime should not merely serve as a low-cost production alternative. Among these advocates are Noritaka Kawaguchi, CEO, and Mie Onishi, advisor at Suzume Studio CoMix Wave Films.

This rephrased sentence maintains the same meaning while making it more accessible to readers by using simpler language and a clearer structure.

Anime is “not a genre” 

During a chat with Anime Corner, the subject of live-action versions of anime came up. Onishi then mentioned that there have been live-action adaptations of shows like Star Wars, Scott Pilgrim, and The Lord of the Rings.

Kawaguchi remarked, “I’ve got way too much content to go through. On top of watching Japanese anime, I need to read Jump as well. It’s just so disappointing how anime isn’t given its due recognition in the West.

Onishi stated, ‘You’re correct… And that’s because over-animating isn’t advisable. Anime is merely one approach; it doesn’t define the entire genre.’

These days, one thing that really bugs me is when people I speak with in Hollywood ask if something could be turned into an anime.

She expressed her disapproval by saying, “That’s roughly equivalent to ‘Anime should be inexpensive,’ a statement that infuriates me,” and Kawaguchi concurred, exclaiming, “I completely agree!” or simply, “Me too!

After that, Onishi mimicked a Hollywood studio executive by saying, “A live-action movie would cost around 20 billion yen, but could you instead create an anime?” To which Kawaguchi replied, “Tell them I said it’s about 30 billion yen for an anime!

A significant number of anime enthusiasts have shared their sentiments in discussions, one commentator expressing on Reddit, “Hollywood often misunderstands the potential of animation. They tend to perceive it as suitable only for young audiences and males.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve noticed that when it comes to ‘adult-oriented animations’, they often lean towards crass humor and edginess. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate that genre too. However, it seems like America tends to undervalue animation as a form of art rather than just entertainment.

It seems unwise for anime studios to undertake projects for Hollywood. Instead, it might be more beneficial for them to persist with their current work and potentially enhance the quality of their dubbing voices. Afterward, they could license these versions to American distribution channels catering to audiences who prefer not to read subtitles.

A different approach might be, “The first one put it straight by saying, ‘Hollywood, forget about you! Keep going, Japan!’ The second chimed in with, ‘Resist the urge to yield.’

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2025-06-17 17:48