Gantz - What We Know So Far

They say that man is the most dangerous game of all, but for the past 21 years, "Gantz" has been proving that wrong. For as difficult as it is to hunt a human, it is exponentially more difficult to fight something alien and beyond our understanding. Perhaps no series understands this better than "Gantz," as it is that exact situation that serves as the premise for its story.

The original manga, written by Hiroya Oku and published by Shueisha in 2000, has earned its popularity through its depictions of desperate violence between humans and bizarre alien creatures (via Anime News Network). It has spawned several sequels and spinoffs, including two live-action films, a CGI film, and an anime series. And now, Sony is looking to capitalize on this successful (yet controversial) series with yet another live-action adaptation.

Although not much is currently known about Sony's take on the franchise, the series undoubtedly has a unique opportunity to gain new fans. With that in mind, here is what we know so far about Sony's "Gantz" adaptation.

At the current moment, Sony has not announced an official release date for its "Gantz" movie. According to Deadline, Sony has only just recently chosen Julius Avery to be its director, indicating that production for the film is still fresh. As such, it will likely take at least a year or two for "Gantz" to approach completion, so fans should be on the lookout for news on Sony's film throughout late 2022 and into 2024.

However, that estimation lies on the lower end of things, and it's entirely possible that the production of "Gantz" will take longer than that. It is simply impossible to tell for certain without Sony's official word on the matter. Regardless, those who just can't wait to get in on some "Gantz" action already have a variety of alternative options available to them, including the original "Gantz" manga, its anime, and the already-existing films.

Like the film's release date, Sony has kept all information regarding "Gantz's" cast in the bag. In the first two live-action "Gantz" films (which were released in 2010 and 2011), the series' main characters — Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato — were played by actors Kazunari Ninomiya and Ken'ichi Matsuyama, respectively (via IMDb). However, it seems unlikely that these two will return to play these roles again, as Sony seems to be reimagining "Gantz" for Western audiences.

Although this may not seem like a bad thing on the surface, it could very well prove detrimental for "Gantz" if Sony ends up taking after other Westernized anime properties. The 2017 live-action "Ghost in the Shell" film, for instance, faced heavy criticism due to its whitewashing of Japanese protagonist Motoko Kusanagi. Whether a similar situation is bound to occur with "Gantz" is currently unknown, but it is certainly one that Sony should avoid if they're looking to capitalize on the West's growing interest in Japanese properties.

The world of "Gantz" is a cold and brutal one. It is filled with untold violence and no shortage of controversial imagery. But all of that almost seems appropriate when you consider the premise behind the series' story. When high schoolers Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato die trying to save a homeless man from being hit by a train, it almost seems like a noble sacrifice. But the two are surprised when they awaken in a strange Tokyo apartment with a group of strangers and are told by the ominous black orb in the center of the room that they are now part of a deadly game. Soon, everyone in the room will be teleported into the Tokyo streets, armed with alien technology and tasked with hunting down and killing an unknown alien currently roaming the city. The more a player kills and the longer they survive, the more points they earn until they can finally buy their way out of the game.

Unfortunately, that's easier said than done, as the horrific aliens that stalk Tokyo's streets hardly ever go down without a fight. On top of that, they often defy our understanding of reality in ways that shock and horrify the players in question. Still, Kurono and Kato are left with no choice if they want to live to see another day.