In a recent interview, the CEO of CrunchyrollRaul Purini, revealed that the popular streaming platform is exploring the potential of live-action adaptations as a strategy to attract new viewers and increase interest in its anime catalog. The company, in collaboration with its parent company Sony Pictures Entertainment, is evaluating the possibility of producing live-action versions of some of its anime intellectual properties.

Purini mentioned that Crunchyroll is not only considering these adaptations for its own platform, but also for other streaming services interested in this type of content, with the aim of expanding the anime's audience. “We believe we can leverage our connection with Sony Pictures Entertainment to make some live-action anime, in collaboration with our Japanese partners and our parent company.“he commented.

The success of recent adaptations such as 'One Piece' appears to have been an influential factor in this decision. Purini highlighted that, after the release of the live-action version of 'One Piece', there was a significant increase in the number of people who started watching the animated version both on Crunchyroll and other streaming platforms. “The debut of the live-action version attracted a new audience to the world of anime“he added.

With the success of the first season of 'One Piece', which became one of Netflix's most popular titles, Crunchyroll is aware of the ability of live-action adaptations to break down barriers and facilitate access to anime to a wider audience. Purini also highlighted that Crunchyroll sees Netflix as a gateway for new anime fans, though he suggests that those interested in exploring a wider variety of genres and titles will find Crunchyroll to be their best option.

This interest on the part of Crunchyroll in expanding into the live-action market reflects a growing trend within the industry, where other platforms such as Amazon Prime Video are also betting on this type of adaptation, as is the case with 'Oshi no Ko'. With these strategies, Crunchyroll seeks not only to increase its user base, but also to strengthen the presence of anime in the global market.

Source: XTREND NIKKEI