Chloé Zhao & Nicolas Gonda Launch Kodansha Studios for Live-Action Manga Adaptations
Chloé Zhao, a two-time Academy Award winner, has embarked on an exciting venture with Nicolas Gonda to establish Kodansha Studios. This new global studio aims to produce high-quality live-action adaptations of popular manga series.
Kodansha Studios: A New Era for Live-Action Manga Adaptations
Kodansha Studios plans to utilize the extensive library of Kodansha, a leading Japanese publisher. The studio intends to create various film and television projects, spanning genres such as romance, drama, horror, and action-fantasy.
Partnerships and Creative Leadership
- Chloé Zhao: Chief Creative Officer of Kodansha Studios
- Nicolas Gonda: President and Chief Operations Officer
Zhao emphasizes her passion for manga, stating, “I grew up reading and drawing Manga.” She believes in connecting talented manga authors with international filmmakers. This collaboration aims to breathe new life into beloved stories and characters.
Kodansha’s Rich Legacy
Founded in 1909, Kodansha boasts a vast catalog of over 4,000 titles. Notable manga series include:
- Akira
- Attack on Titan
- Tokyo Revengers
- Blue Lock
- The Kindaichi Case Files
- Initial D
- The Seven Deadly Sins
- That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
These popular titles have collectively sold more than 500 million copies worldwide, showcasing the publisher’s significant impact on global pop culture.
A Commitment to Global Storytelling
Yoshinobu Noma, CEO of Kodansha, stated that Kodansha Studios represents a crucial moment in the collaboration between Japanese publishers and Hollywood. The studio aims to foster direct partnerships with talented artists globally.
Chloé Zhao’s most recent work includes the film Hamnet, which has received accolades from major film festivals. Yue Zhao’s previous films, such as Nomadland, have also garnered multiple prestigious awards, establishing her as a leading director in contemporary cinema. Gonda complements her expertise with experience in immersive arts and collaborations with various major entertainment companies.
Kodansha Studios promises to be a groundbreaking entity in the realm of live-action manga adaptations, uniting the rich storytelling of Japan with a global audience.
