Death Note is one of the most successful Japanese mangas of all time. Since its launch, in Shonen Jump in 2003, it has spawned two novels, three games and an internationally renowned anime series. Both the manga and the anime have been translated into dozens of different languages. Two anime films followed, as well as three Japanese live action movies. It seemed just a matter of time before Hollywood jumped onto the goldmine and created its own version of the story.
In June 2008, Vertigo Entertainment appeared to be planning just that. Three years later, Death Note the Movie still hasn't seen the light of day. So what's taking so long?
Death Note: Vertigo Entertainment Bought Movie Rights in 2008
With the anime having just completed its world-wide run, Death Note was at the height of its international popularity, when Vertigo Entertainment announced it had bought the movie rights to the franchise. For fans, the summer of 2008 was a time of great debate on forums, as they struggled to determine if this was good or bad news. Previous Hollywood forays into manga movies had not lived up to expectations, but this one could be different.
The script was originally being written by Charley and Vlas Parlapanides, previously responsible for Live Bet, Immortals (aka War of the Gods) and a television series called Undercover. Vertigo Entertainment's founders, Roy Lee and Doug Davison, were named as the film's producers. Then it all went quiet. While fans speculated on casting and script, no official news was given for the rest of 2008.
By March 2009, there was an indication that all was well and the movie was going ahead. Shakefire.com reported, 'Sources at Vertigo... are confirming that the final draft of the script has been greenlit and casting is about to begin.'
Death Note: Warner Bros Buy the Movie Rights in 2009
A month later, there was firmer news. Vertigo Entertainment had been in negotiation with another studio. With their larger budget capacity, Warner Bros could turn an American remake of Death Note into a huge blockbuster. The terms of the agreement meant that both scriptwriters and producers remained attached to the project.
The film was listed on IMDb with a release date of 2010. Everything seemed to be moving swiftly with strong casting rumours making the rounds of the gossip columns and internet.
Death Note: Zac Efron and Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Two of the most pervasive rumours concerned the actors Zac Efron and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, in the main roles of Light Yagami and L respectively.
The casting of Zac Efron especially was the source of some trepidation amongst fans. The teen star was propelled to stardom by his role in the Disney Channel's High School Musical and he was known for light-hearted, all American, squeaky clean characterisations. This did not fit well with the morally grey, psychologically dark persona of Light Yagami.
Interviewed upon the release of Me and Orson Welles, in May 2010, Zac confirmed that he 'had a meeting on' the Death Note movie. However, he could not provide any further details. "I love Death Note and we were kind of working on it right now. It's definitely not something that would be coming up soon. It's not on the front burner. I feel like regardless, whatever I say, it's going to be the next movie. No, it's not. It was an idea."
It seemed that the film had drifted into limbo again, as no further information was available for the rest of 2010.
Death Note: Warner Bros Announces Shane Black as the Director
Just as fans had started to believe that the film had quietly been dropped, January 2011 brought a plethora of news. Foremost was the fact that Shane Black had been hired by Warner Bros, as the Death Note movie director. IMDb quietly changed the date on its listing, indicating a 2011 release for the film. Fans were dubious; after all, Shane Black was working on Iron Man 3, so it was unlikely he would fit in another movie during the same time period.
The scriptwriters had been dropped in favour of Anthony Bagarozzi and Chuck Mondry. Both had previously worked on the script for Doc Savage. Variety further reported that the Parlapanides brothers had written a first draft for Death Note, but this had apparently been turned down by Warner Bros.
Vertigo Entertainment's Roy Lee and Doug Davison were still on board as producers, but they had been joined by Dan Lin (Sherlock Holmes, The Departed and Terminator Salvation) and Brian Witten (American History X, Dark City, Final Destination and The Wedding Singer).
Death Note: Cillian Murphy as L?
In the buzz of discussion following this news, Digital Trends named Cillian Murphy as a strong contender for the role of L. Having starred in Inception, Sunshine, The Dark Knight and 28 Days Later, the Irish actor certainly had the experience, depths and brooding good looks to pull off the character. But, at 35 years old, Cillian could well be too old to play L.
When the film had first been mentioned, many fans had pointed longingly towards Johnny Depp as L, but the same obstacle was apparent there too. L had to be Light's peer, as the author, Tsugumi Ohba expressed himself in Death Note 13: How to Read, 'Since it wouldn't have been as interesting if (L) was too much older than Light, I made him a young man.' Light is 17 years old at the beginning of the story, while L is 24.
Death Note: Shane Black Confirms the Movie Will Happen
In October 2011, Shane Black told delegates at the Long Beach Comic Con that the delay had been caused by Warner Bros requesting plot changes. He confirmed that the whole project had been in jeopardy, before the studio backed down on their wish to drastically alter the storyline.
However, he also stated that the movie is still going ahead. Fans could be forgiven for not holding their collective breath.
Jo Harrington - Jo has a BA (Hons) in History and Philosophy and a MA in History. She has a book published on the history of Wicca.
