Popular manga and anime property headed to the big screen.
Variety reports that Warner Bros. has acquired live-action feature rights to Tite Kubo’s manga and anime ‘Bleach,’ and has tapped ‘Wrath of the Titans’ screenwriter Dan Mazeau to tackle the screenplay.
‘Bleach’ follows the adventures of Ichigo Kurosaki, a 15-year-old boy who can see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow — a malevolent lost soul — Ichigo inadvertently absorbs the power to hunt Hollows. He then dedicates his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace.
The trade adds that ‘Get Smart’ helmer Peter Segal is producing, with an eye toward possibly taking the director’s chair. Segal’s Callahan Filmworks partner Michael Ewing will also produce along with Viz Productions, the English-language publisher of ‘Bleach.’
‘Heroes’ star Masi Oka is also on board as producer. The actor, who starred in Segal’s ‘Get Smart,’ brought the project to Callahan Filmworks.
Talking to Variety Segal said, “I’ve always been a huge fan of ‘Bleach’ and have great respect for its creator Kubo and the truly original and amazing world he has created in this manga.”