If there’s a Kaiju weather forecast being broadcast, then the panicky newsreader is probably telling you that there’s an 80% chance of zero big budget Pacific Rim sequels on the horizon. While the original film from Guillermo Del Toro may be the greatest movie ever made and of all time (Citation needed), its follow-up sequel was…less than 500 tons of awesome.
Pacific Rim Uprising wasn’t a bad movie, but even John Boyega’s charm as Doublestack Jake Pentecost wasn’t enough to hide the flaws of the follow-up: Namely a lighter budget, a far more restrained aesthetic design that didn’t drip with any of Del Toro’s signature world-building detail and a story that was kind of bonkers. Flaws that could have been forgiven had Uprising managed to make some mad bank at the box office, which it kind of didn’t.
With just over $290 million earned worldwide from a $150 million budget, Pacific Rim’s film aspirations are about as deceased as the remains of the Crimson Typhoon crew. Which is fine! Because while Pacific Rim may not be able to find an audience on the big screen, it’s possibly far better suited to taking a page from one of its biggest inspirations to create an anime series instead.
A series that will pop up on Netflix, as Deadline reports that the streaming platform is pushing forward with even more original anime productions. According to the report, the series will focus on “an idealistic teenage boy and his naïve younger sister” as they attempt to find their parents while piloting an abandoned Jaeger. As for the production talent? Craig “Thor: Ragnarok” Kyle and Greg “X-Men: Evolution” Johnson will handle the development of the series. Folks, the Jaegers are in good hands. ELBOW ROCKETS!
I’m…I’m so happy right now. Is this bliss? Anyway, that’s not the only anime series on the way. Here’s a rundown of what’s on the way:
Altered Carbon
Set in the same universe as the live action series, the Altered Carbon anime will flesh out the mythology of sci-fi series and will be produced by the animation studio Anima, with Dai “Cowboy Bebop” Sato writing episodes alongside Tsukasa Kondo.
Cagaster of an Insect Cage
In a world where the Cagaster disease has morphed regular people into homicidal insect monsters, one young couple has to fight against the odds to survive in a world gone mad. Koigi “Last Exile” Chigira directs, with animation duties being handled by Hellsing studio Gonzo.
Yasuke
With Japan ravaged by a war that saw magic and mechs used on the battlefield, a wandering ronin finds himself wielding a sword once again as he fights to protect a child who is being hunted by sinister forces. Loosely based on the legend of the African samurai who fought with Oda Nobunaga, Yasuke features The Boondocks’ LeSean Thomas heading the project while Flying Lotus handles the soundtrack.
Trese
Shifting ponds to Manila, Trese focuses on a tale of the Philippine underworld that is home to criminals and mythical beings who have infiltrated human society, as Alexandra Trese finds herself tangling with more malevolent creatures. Jay “The Legend of Korra” Oliva executive produces the series that is based on the original graphic novel from Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldissimo.
Last Updated: November 8, 2018
Kromas
November 8, 2018 at 10:03
Oh boy. The thing I liked about Pacific Rim was that it was not an anime. Now it will contend directly with the plethora of Mecha (yes Robot Anime has a genre) out there.
Good thing there are a crapload of decent anime to enjoy on Crunchyroll. But if you have to watch something on Netflix there are better alternative for every taste.
The D
November 8, 2018 at 10:17
Yeah! Like Paradise PD.
*Giggle*
Kromas
November 8, 2018 at 10:21
I love Paradise PD!!
Magoo
November 8, 2018 at 14:36
Pacific Rim is essentially based on a mecha anime called Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Even though the first movie was top 10 material, an anime based on it.. made by netflix.. double MEH from me. But since my preference of anime is… strange or just very different compared to the majority of western viewers who watch shounen almost exclusively, I’ve learned to appreciate the variety.
If you do like action anime, don’t have time for Gundam and willing to give mecha a fighting chance (instead of circle-jerking against mecha like everyone ever), try Darling in the Franxx. Pretty new, highly rated and quite a stew of genres.
Kromas
November 8, 2018 at 15:01
Can you give me a link please cause as far as I am aware the inspiration for this came from Godzilla not from NGE.
Also if you want a great mecha you have to watch either Full Metal Panic! or on a lighter note Tengan Toppen Gurren Lagan
Magoo
November 9, 2018 at 07:42
I would just google it if I were you. There are lots of comparisons and even video footage vs animation comparisons. It’s the same concept to a fault though the director says that he started writing Pacific Rim before NGE and that he draws inspiration from multiple sources, one being Godzilla. Despite that, the resemblance between the two is striking.
Funny enough I did not enjoy FMP! at all and didn’t watch more than 10 episodes. Not seen Tengun Toppen but I’ll add it to the list for next time I’m in the mood for some action. 🙂
Guz
November 8, 2018 at 10:04
o/ awesome
Ghost In The Rift
November 8, 2018 at 10:19
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED for life!!!
Pariah
November 8, 2018 at 10:29
“Altered Carbon” Anime? YES!!!!!!!!
Admiral Chief
November 8, 2018 at 10:34
O_________O
Dude, yeah!
CrAiGiSh
November 8, 2018 at 11:31
This also caught my attention … :O
Original Heretic
November 8, 2018 at 10:52
My thumb stands up for this news.
Pariah
November 8, 2018 at 12:04
Just your thumb?
Original Heretic
November 8, 2018 at 12:49
I love these movies, I don’t lust for them.
CrAiGiSh
November 8, 2018 at 11:31
Ooooo nice.