How Sony’s Live Action ‘Knights of the Zodiac’ Was a Decade-Long Transformation for Toei Animation
variety.comPatrick Frater Asia Bureau ChiefFans at Comic-Con will Saturday get a fresh taste of Sony’s “Knights of the Zodiac,” a fantasy action film based on the popular Japanese “Saint Seiya” manga and anime series.Tomek Baginski directs a diverse cast headed by Famke Janssen and Sean Bean, as well as American-born Japanese sensation Mackenyu in the title role as Pegasus Seiya.For Toei Animation, the Japanese studio behind the properties, the effort is the result of a decade-long strategic overhaul.
And putting together the $60 million first leg in a major movie franchise took a circuitous route through Hungary and COVID disruptions.
Toei Animation international producer Ikezawa Yoshi explains the journey.Variety: What was the corporate or strategic point of view that led Toei Animation to make the live action “Knights of the Zodiac”?Ikezawa: Today when you run an animation studio, especially the size of those in the Japanese industry, profit potential is limited.
Other rights, including merchandising, licensing program or features outside of Japan are important, but there’s always been a ceiling.
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