Many of us are waiting for a sequel to the best Hollywood anime adaptation, aren't we?
When James Cameron's "Alita: Battle Angel" hit theaters in 2019, it brought Yukito Kishiro's beloved manga to life in a truly impressive and ambitious way. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by Cameron, the film was an action-packed cyberpunk adventure with cutting-edge visuals and a story that resonated with fans. Rosa Salazar's portrayal of Alita, a cyborg navigating the dangerous Iron City, was particularly praised, and the story left audiences craving more. Yet, five years later, the long-awaited sequel remains a "what if."
While "Alita: Battle Angel" didn't achieve the hoped-for box office success in 2019, it experienced a real resurgence on Netflix. In November 2024, the film charted in the global Top 10, proving that Alita's story still has a large following. However, with no concrete plans for a sequel in sight, fans are left wondering why Hollywood's best anime adaptation remains unfinished.
From Manga to Live-Action Masterpiece!
Here's How the Cyberpunk Gem Alita Came to Be
"Alita: Battle Angel" was more than just a manga adaptation – it was a true passion project nearly two decades in the making. First announced in 2003, it faced numerous delays as James Cameron initially dedicated his energy to the Avatar series. It wasn't until 2016 that Robert Rodriguez took over as director, with Cameron and Laeta Kalogridis co-writing the screenplay.
The film boasted an incredible cast, including Christopher Waltz as Dr. Ido, Jennifer Connelly, Mahershala Ali, and Rosa Salazar. Salazar's portrayal of Alita was a blend of live-action and CGI, resulting in a truly impressive adaptation of Iron City and the dark, cyberpunk aesthetic of Kishiro's manga. This attention to detail and dedication made "Alita: Battle Angel" more than just a typical adaptation – fans loved it.
Despite this, the theatrical release was somewhat mixed. With a budget of $170 million, it grossed approximately $401.9 million worldwide, with the majority coming from international markets. It wasn't a blockbuster in the US, but enough people still bought tickets to generate a moderate profit after DVD and Blu-ray sales.
A Cult Classic in the Making!
Alita's Significant Cultural Impact and Dedicated Fanbase
Reactions to "Alita: Battle Angel" were varied. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a rating of 61%. However, audience reactions were quite different, with the film boasting a very high audience score of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. This demonstrates how entertaining and popular it is with fans. Many viewers connected with Alita's journey of self-discovery and her struggles in a dystopian world, solidifying the film's status as a cult classic.
The passionate fanbase has kept the dream of a sequel alive. Through social media campaigns and petitions, fans have consistently supported Alita's story and demanded another film. Alita's recent success on Netflix has demonstrated that interest in the film hasn't waned, but has actually grown. This enthusiasm surrounding Alita shows that the film remains a beloved anime adaptation for many fans, and that there may be a demand for more live-action anime adaptations.
Why a Sequel Isn't Happening Right Now
Can Streaming Success Revive "Alita?"
Despite promises from Rodriguez and Cameron that a second "Alita: Battle Angel" film would be made, nothing has materialized so far. Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox unfortunately hasn't improved the chances of a sequel, as Disney currently prioritizes established franchises over new stories. While Rodriguez has acknowledged the challenges, he's also mentioned that the transition period at Disney has delayed conversations about a sequel.
In 2023, the creators reaffirmed their desire to work on a sequel, naturally giving fans hope. However, there have been no updates on a concrete production schedule or official announcements since then, leaving the future of the series uncertain. The continued success of "Alita" on streaming platforms like Netflix could influence decision-makers and demonstrate that there's still a strong demand for this manga adaptation.
"Alita: Battle Angel" is more than just a visually unique anime film – it's a touching story about identity, perseverance, and redemption. The film combines complex cyberpunk aesthetics with an emotional narrative, making it a live-action adaptation that stands out from the rest. Alita has cultivated a loyal fanbase that refuses to let the story be forgotten. As "Alita: Battle Angel" currently enjoys a comeback, fans eagerly await her return. Hollywood may have overlooked the film's potential upon its initial release, but the growing fanbase and success on streaming platforms show that the story is far from over.
via: ScreenRant