The revolutionizing both the monster-hunter and Issekai genres. Its popularity is something that many other anime shows wish they could achieve.

Fans of this memorable franchise might be happy to know that the possibility of a live-action movie is closer than ever, thanks to the latest venture from its parent company, Bandai. After announcing the beginning of production for the Gundam live-action adaptation, the corporation revealed that a new film studio subsidiary would open in America soon. While nothing is confirmed yet, this greatly facilitates the creation of a real-life-inspired Digimon movie.

Bandai Namco Filmworks America Could Create a Digimon Live-Action

The Studio Must Know of the Impact the Franchise Has on the West

On February 5, 2024, Bandai Namco released a statement in which the company revealed that the Gundam movie had begun production. According to the message, the film would be created thanks to the collaboration of two studios. The critically acclaimed movie company Legendary would forces with the Japanese giant’s newest subsidiary, Bandai Namco Filmworks America. The opening of this new studio was also included in the company’s announcement, explaining that the reason behind its creation was to make the release of American-based productions easier.

It is this last statement that could signify hope for a future live-action adaptation of the Digimon anime franchise. Out of all the franchises owned by Bandai, Digimon is one of the few considered among the best anime of all time. The fact that the company is willing to open a subsidiary of its film studio in America signifies that it might be looking to expand its market with new projects. As such, a Digimon live-action adaptation might not yet be out of the question. If Gundam’s movie proves successful, the Digital World could be Hollywood’s next stop.

Digimon Could Be an Amazing Live-Action

The Plot and Monsters Work Perfectly With the Big Screen

One of the reasons why Bandia might think about exploring a live-action Digimon project is the fact that the series would work perfectly as a film. The idea of a group of teenagers traveling to a different and unique world where they would meet incredibly powerful creatures could work as a stand-alone movie. As is the case with the best live-action adaptations of the last few years, the premise of this film will appeal to both existing and new fans of the franchise.

The creatures themselves would be a major part of the marketing for the franchise, a concept that has already proven successful in the past. The outstanding designs of the original group of Digimon facilitated the creation of toys, clothing, and other pieces of merchandise with their likeness. During the 90’s, Adventure was one of the most successful anime in the world, proving that a movie based on this amazing show would be financially viable. Moreover, older Digimon fans have been begging for years to see such a project, going as far as to create their own independent live-action adaptations.

A Movie Could Help Revitalize the Franchise

​​​​​​​Despite Its Current Success, Digimon Is Far Away From Its Peak

Even though the Digimon franchise has managed to remain one of the most beloved on the globe for more than 2 decades, it is no secret that its popularity has seen decline over the years. The anime shows considered among fans as the best were released several years ago, and the new entries have struggled to cause hype among fans. A live-action adaptation of one of the series’ most popular seasons could be what it needs to become as relevant as it was in the past.

It is no surprise either that the inconsistent releases of manga, video games, and merchandise about the franchise in the West hurt its success over the years. By giving fans a Hollywood Digimon movie, Bandai could bring back its popularity, giving the franchise a second chance to shine. Seeing as Digimon is still one of the most popular animes in existence, the chances of it dominating the market once again are much higher than fans might believe.

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Overall, the idea of a Bandai-licensed Digimon live-action movie is beyond exciting for fans. Bandai Namco Filmworks America has a perfect opportunity to expand the reach of this beloved franchise in the West once more, one that fans will surely appreciate.