Comic book movies have pretty much dominated the box office over the last few years, so it only makes sense that it would inevitably extend to Japanese manga. We're seeing a number of manga being adapted for feature films, from Tom Cruise's All You Need Is Kill, to a live-action Bleach, Mardock Scramble, and many more. I imagine it's just as exciting a time to be a manga/anime fan now as it is for those who read DC and Marvel Comics. Now one of the guys who helped jumpstart the comic book movie craze here in America is set to bring one of the darkest and bloodiest manga to the big screen.
David Goyer will direct a live-action adaptation of Hellsing, an independent feature based on the hyper-violent manga/anime series created by Kouta Hirano. The film is co-written by Asim Ahmad, who will also take on the lead role of Alucard, which if you've noticed is just 'Dracula' backwards. Alucard is the same vampire defeated by Van Helsing in Bram Stoker's novel, but rather than being killed he is forced to become the lead operative of the Hellsing Organization, a secret group that protects England from supernatural threats. Jake Sharp(All My Children), Daniel Barnhardt(Bloodsport 2), and Ana Johnsson are reportedly also part of the cast, so clearly they're banking on recognition of the series rather than big name actors. You might recall we had Hellsing listed in our Top 10 anime series of all-time awhile back.
Goyer's been keeping busy lately co-writing Man of Steel, and he also developed the story for Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight trilogy. But we also have him to thank for basically ushering in the new age of superhero movies with the Blade trilogy back in 1998, so this seems like a perfect fit for him. Filming is set to begin in early 2013 in London. You can find out more about the film on the official site here, or by following it on Twitter.
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