After Terminator: Zero, 7 Franchises I’d Love To See Get The Anime Treatment

After Terminator: Zero, 7 Franchises I'd Love To See Get The Anime Treatment

As a child of the 80’s and 90’s, I can vividly remember the magic that these iconic franchises brought into my life. Stargate, Men In Black, and Metal Gear Solid were more than just movies or games to us kids; they were gateways to fantastical worlds filled with adventure, mystery, and intrigue.

It’s clear that not everyone may feel the same way, but personally, I’m really enjoying “Terminator: Zero“. Although I haven’t completed the 2024 Netflix series yet, the anime based on James Cameron’s iconic sci-fi movie franchise offers an engaging plot and stunning animation. As I watch it, I can’t help but imagine other franchises that could benefit from an anime adaptation someday.

Some of these selections have been adapted into live-action TV productions or animated series, but they haven’t had an anime adaptation that brings a fresh take and unique perspective to the original content. I believe each of these properties would thrive in this format and be incredibly entertaining to view.

After Terminator: Zero, 7 Franchises I'd Love To See Get The Anime Treatment

Alien

Given the blockbuster performance of “Alien: Romulus” at the box office and the forthcoming live-action “Alien: Earth” series on FX, it’s clear that this legendary franchise is thriving. A fantastic method to cash in on the rekindled interest in Alien is by creating an anime series within the property’s intricate timeline.

It wouldn’t have to be about Ellen Ripley, though Neil Blomkamp’s awesome sequel idea would be awesome in anime form, and instead could be about new characters living through the pattern of finding a strange organism, having it burst out of someone’s chest, and then trying to escape an almost perfect xenomorph. In an ideal world, there could be multiple seasons with each telling a new story set somewhere deep in space.

After Terminator: Zero, 7 Franchises I'd Love To See Get The Anime Treatment

Predator

Despite rumors of a completed “Alien vs. Predator” anime series residing within Disney’s vault, it seems unlikely we’ll ever get to witness its contents, as suggested by Bloody Disgusting. Nevertheless, I eagerly anticipate a show centered around the Predator universe, given that this franchise consistently demonstrates success when creators are open to experimentation and innovation.

In light of popular animated anthology series such as “What If” and “Tales of Jedi,” it seems intriguing to envision a “Predator” anime that transports us across various historical eras. Imagine a season set in feudal Japan, another in the French Revolution, another in the heart of Africa, and so on. I strongly believe Disney should consider bringing this concept to life.

Mad Max

It seems clear that the movie “Fuiosa: A Mad Max Saga” didn’t do well financially and it might be unlikely for another film set in George Miller’s wasteland to be made due to its failure, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the franchise has to end, correct? Instead, consider this: Warner Bros. could shift their focus towards developing an anime series similar to “Terminator: Zero” that brings one of Miller’s unrealized concepts to life on a smaller (and presumably less costly) scale.

Back in 2015, a fascinating prequel comic book series for “Mad Max: Fury Road” came out, complementing the action movie. It’d be thrilling to transform this four-issue collection into an animated series, bridging the gap between the original Mel Gibson films and the newer entries in the franchise. This comic delved into diverse characters from the wasteland, and I’m keen on witnessing those tales unfold in a unique animated production that blends anime aesthetics with Miller’s signature visual flair.

Planet Of The Apes

The “Planet of the Apes” universe has expanded significantly over time, starting as a well-known book, then becoming a classic film, and eventually transforming into a vast multimedia empire encompassing films, television shows, cartoons, and numerous reboots. With the revitalization of the series through “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”, I believe now is an opportune moment to introduce an anime series within the franchise’s chronology.

I recognize that the Saturday morning cartoon “Return to the Planet of the Apes,” which aired on NBC in 1975, ran for just one season. However, this shouldn’t deter the creation of an anime based on the same property. There’s a significant time gap between “War for the Planet of the Apes” and “Kingdom,” making it intriguing to explore what might have transpired during those hundreds of years.

Stargate

As a child, Stargate left a lasting impression on me, and I vividly recall the enchanting moment I first watched it during a sleepover with a friend during my summer vacation between the 2nd and 3rd grade. The style and atmosphere of Roland Emmerich’s sci-fi epic captivated me so much that I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the screen, and it kept me awake all night. Now, three decades later, I yearn to witness an anime series that either revisits one of the most iconic ’90s sci-fi films or is set within its universe.

Absolutely, there have been some TV shows inspired by one of Kurt Russell’s top films, but what I’d really enjoy is a gritty, intensely violent series with stylish animation reminiscent of anime. Why not even consider having Russell and James Spader return to their roles and transport us to another alien world? This new world could mirror an entirely different ancient civilization.

Men In Black

Do you recall the animated series, “Men in Black: The Series,” which was inspired by the popular Will Smith film? If you’re not familiar with it, I strongly recommend giving it a watch; it’s full of excitement and adds depth to the sci-fi action movie’s universe and characters. Interestingly, it has been over two decades since the show last aired. With this in mind, I believe now would be an ideal moment to revamp the franchise into an anime format.

“Men in Black is an outstanding comic book movie outside of DC and Marvel, with a rich history stemming from its brief but impactful six-issue run. It’d be fantastic if Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones reprised their iconic roles, but even if they can’t or won’t, there’s still plenty of potential for enjoyment within this universe.

Metal Gear Solid

There has been a lot of talk about a Metal Gear Solid movie over the years, but I, for one, have grown tired of waiting for the upcoming video game adaptation to finally come to fruition. However, I do have an idea for how Konami could introduce its iconic tactical espionage action series to a new audience: anime.

While there are numerous anime productions loosely based on Hideo Kojima’s groundbreaking action video game, none of these have been officially endorsed by Konami or anyone connected to the franchise. I would welcome any content set within the Metal Gear universe, whether it be faithful adaptations of the games themselves or fresh narratives revolving around characters such as Solid Snake, Liquid Snake, and Les Enfants Terribles – the secretive project to clone Big Boss into super soldiers. It would also be satisfying to finally see a conclusive ending for Metal Gear Solid: The Phantom Pain in an official anime series.

It’s uncertain if these events will transpire as expected, but there is an abundance of impressive 2024 TV series available for viewing with a Netflix subscription, such as “Terminator: Zero”.

2024-09-08 23:07