Netflix’s Last Samurai Standing: A Blueprint For Vinland Saga’s Live-Action

Netflix’s latest live-action adaptation of a manga is a hit, earning a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and demonstrating that these types of adaptations can be successful.

Netflix has been steadily adding more anime and manga-based shows to its library. Some adaptations, such as Death Note and Cowboy Bebop, didn’t quite hit the mark with viewers, but others, like One Piece and Alice in Borderland, have been both popular and well-received. Their newest manga adaptation appears to be following the same path of success.

It’s too early to say if this show will be as big a hit as Alice in Borderland or One Piece, but so far, both viewers and critics seem to like it. Examining the story and how it’s made also suggests it could be a great stepping stone for turning another popular anime into a live-action series.

Last Samurai Standing Critical Success Proves A Live-Action Vinland Saga Can Work

A major reason viewers are enjoying Last Samurai Standing is its focus on real, practical action rather than relying on computer-generated imagery. Because the original manga also highlights realistic and skill-based fighting, the show’s believable fight scenes are a real strength.

One of the things that makes Vinland Saga‘s action stand out is how realistic it is. Unlike many anime and manga, it avoids over-the-top, unrealistic fight scenes. Instead, battles focus on practical techniques like shield walls and knife fighting. Audiences really dislike it when adaptations take shortcuts and modernize historical conflicts with unnecessary ‘East meets West’ elements.

Unlike many films, Last Samurai Standing successfully respects its historical and cultural origins. It achieves this through careful casting and a nuanced portrayal of samurai society and traditions.

Set in 11th-century Northern Europe, Vinland Saga takes place in a location Hollywood has frequently depicted, making a live-action adaptation’s setting less challenging to create. While bringing Vinland Saga’s world to life won’t be simple, the success of films like Last Samurai Standing demonstrates it’s definitely achievable.

A Vinland Saga Adaptation Would Have 1 Unfair Advantage Over Other Live Action Anime

Anime often uses unique visuals, unrealistic action, and over-the-top stories that are hard to bring to life in a live-action format. While Netflix’s versions of One Piece and Alice in Borderland were successful, many other attempts to adapt anime into live-action have failed, proving how difficult it is to make these kinds of stories work when they’re not animated.

Because of its relatable characters, down-to-earth story, and authentic historical setting, Vinland Saga feels naturally suited for live-action, much like Last Samurai Standing. It seems ready-made for the screen. With Netflix’s success with Last Samurai Standing, we can hope a live-action version of Vinland Saga will be made in the future.

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2025-11-21 07:48