Netflix new anime projects Based on Pacific Rim (Reports).
On Wednesday at its first ever Asian content showcase, Netflix announced five new anime projects, including a series based on “Pacific Rim,” a feature film set in the “Altered Carbon” universe, and a new series featuring the voice of Lakeith Stanfield.
At “See What’s Next: Asia” held in Singapore, Netflix also announced two Thai language originals, a Chinese language original, and a second season renewal for its upcoming Korean fantasy drama “Kingdom,” the first season of which premieres on the streaming service Jan. 25.
Heading up the anime slate is “Pacific Rim” from showrunners Craig Kyle (“Thor: Ragnarok”) and Greg Johnson (“X-Men: Evolution.”) The series will expand on the story of giant robots vs. kaiju from the first two live action movies and will follow two siblings, an idealistic teenage boy and his naïve younger sister, forced to pilot an abandoned Jaeger across a hostile landscape in a desperate attempt to find their missing parents. It’s produced by Legendary Entertainment.
Meanwhile, the feature film “Altered Carbon” will expand on the Netflix live-action show’s mythology. It’s written by Dai Sato (“Cowboy Bebop,” “Samurai Champloo”) and Tsukasa Kondo, and produced by animation studio Anima.
Up next is “Cagaster of an Insect Cage” from director Koichi Chigira (“Last Exile,” “Full Metal Panic!”). Set in a post-apocalyptic world where a mysterious disease “Cagaster” turns people into giant murderous insects, this manga-based series follows the struggle of a young couple to stay alive. It’s from animation studio Gonzo.
Featuring the voice of “Sorry to Bother You” and “Atlanta” star Lakeith Stanfield, “Yasuke” is set in a war-torn feudal Japan of mechs and magic and focuses on a retired ronin charged with the task of transporting a mysterious child who dark forces want to eliminate. The show is created, directed and executive produced by LeSean Thomas (“The Boondocks,” “Cannon Busters”) and will feature original music by Flying Lotus, who also serves as executive producer. It’s from animation studio MAPPA
And “Trese” is set in a Manila where the mythical creatures of Philippine folklore live in hiding amongst humans. Alexandra Trese finds herself going head to head with a criminal underworld comprised of malevolent supernatural beings. Based on the Philippine graphic novel by the same name by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldissimo, it’s executive produced by Jay Oliva (“Wonder Woman,” “The Legend of Korra”) and produced by Shanty Harmayn and Tanya Yuson at BASE Entertainment, a studio based in Jakarta and Singapore.
Thai language original “The Stranded” follows 18 year old Kraam, who survives a devastating tsunami along with thirty-six of his fellow students at an elite private high school on a remote island in the Andaman Sea. As mysterious events start happening on the island, it quickly becomes clear that no one is coming to rescue them and Kraam must lead the students to rescue themselves. Directed by Sophon Sakdaphisit and produced by GMM Grammy and H2L Media Group, it’s executive produced by Ekachai Uekrongtham, Gary Levinsohn, Steven Sims, Billy Hines, and Christian Durso.
Thai language original “Shimmers” is a drama series about five teenagers at an isolated school in Northern Thailand. Over a school break, they find themselves haunted by the ghosts of their pasts, only to discover they are threatened by a much more terrifying mystery. It’s directed by Wisit Sasanatieng and Sittisiri Mongkolsiri.
And finally, Chinese language “Triad Princess,” a Taiwanese original series, follows Angie, the daughter of a triad boss who craves an independent life. Defying her father’s wishes, she takes a gig as an undercover bodyguard for a famous actress at an agency, where she must navigate the unfamiliar world of glitz, glamour and even love. The cast includes Eugenie Liu and Jasper Liu. It’s directed by Neal Wu and produced by MM2 and Goodfilms Workshop.
