Netflix produces and buys the rights to dozens of shows and films adapted from other media. Photo by Joshua Eckstein Unsplash
By Alex Avila, Assistant Section Editor
The film industry has always been reliant on adapting novels and original screenplay stories to the big screen. Movies like “A Trip to the Moon,” an adaptation of the novel by Jules Verne exist as a clear example of books who have turned into films, after adaptation has slowly creeped up on them with the goal and expectation that the movie version will make an even bigger blockbuster.
In recent years, many films are released each year, and in production are adaptations of stories from different media outlets, the most popular choice has always been novels or stage plays, and now it’s become a popular choice to adapt comic books, video games, and animated shows.
Many adaptations have been criticized for not holding up to the source material or outright butchering it. “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World”, adapting the graphic novel by Bryan Lee O’Malley, was a box office failure, despite being loved by critics and fans, allowing it to become considered a cult classic years after its release.
However, on the other side of the spectrum, many films that are adapting a novel or comic book series have been deemed masterpieces or some of the highest-grossing films of all time. “The Godfather,” considered to be one of the best films ever produced, is based on a novel by Mario Puzo, who helped screenwrite the film, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe films crowd the highest-grossing films of all time.
Marvel comic books have proven that adaptation can sometimes bring a universe full of revenue. The release of “Spider-Man” in 2002, was expected to be the highest-grossing film of the year.
Due to the frequency of how many film adaptations are released per year, the question of whether or not Hollywood or the film industry worldwide has run out of ideas. Many argue the lack of unique film narratives, while others believe that unique entertaining cinema is out there, but are overlooked for the action blockbuster movies that are released every few months.
The independent production company, A24 Films, has been praised for taking experimental and creative projects, garnering praise, and considered to be some of the best films of the year they released. Recent heavily praised films produced by A24 include “Everything Everywhere All at Once”, “The Tragedy of Macbeth”, “The Green Knight”, and “Uncut Gems” just to name a few.
Video Games have become one of the most popular choices for adapting into television shows and film, however, these are considered to be the worst possible adaptations to ever come onto television and film screens. They are considered to be boring and some of the most unfaithful to the source material. Video Games can be too long to even be able to fit into a feature-length film. However, this hasn’t stopped production companies from trying to make it work.
With the recent success of “Sonic the Hedgehog” in 2020 and “Detective Pikachu” in 2019 grossing upwards of $320 million and $434 million respectively and being praised by fans for their higher quality compared to most other productions. Nintendo and Sega have gone forward in working with production companies to produce even more adaptations such as the upcoming animated “Super Mario Bros” film and Sega’s “Streets of Rage” and “Yakuza” franchises to receive live-action adaptations.
Despite the criticism, Netflix has greenlit live-action adaptations of some of the most beloved Japanese franchises, such as a TV series of “Yu Yu Hakusho,” “One Piece,” and plans on streaming the Legendary Pictures adaptation of “Mobile Suit Gundam.” Fans are already skeptical of the quality, casting choices, or decision to even adapt these.
While the variety of media people can consume will be endless, adaptations will be a permanent stay in the near future. However, adaptations aren’t necessarily bad, or good. One can still make a good film, or TV show, but there also isn’t a lack of originality with independent film studios or streaming services such as HBO Max with their Criterion Collection, holding several dozen original films from all over the world. As long as adaptations are made with respect and passion, instead of just being made for easy money, they are very much welcomed.
