Sony Pivots to Live-Action Anime, Cites One Piece's Success

Hollywood is learning a new lesson, and Sony Pictures is taking detailed notes. The studio is officially reshaping its blockbuster strategy, moving away from its long-time reliance on superhero films to invest heavily in live-action anime adaptations. This major pivot was confirmed at the 2025 Tokyo International Film Festival, spurred by the global success of shows like Netflix’s One Piece and a clear shift in what audiences want to see.

For years, Sony leaned heavily on comic book blockbusters, but the game has changed. As superhero fatigue sets in and box office returns diminish for traditional capes-and-masks films, anime is proving to be a dominant global force. 

Netflix’s One Piece live-action series stunned critics and pulled in a staggering 72 million views in the second half of 2023 alone, proving an adaptation could become a cultural phenomenon. The future, it seems, isn’t in capes; it’s in anime.

This success isn't an isolated incident. The animated film Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle became Japan’s top-grossing film in 2025, while the Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc movie opened to approximately $158 million globally. These aren't just niche wins; they are proof that anime properties can now outdraw the Hollywood tentpoles that once dominated theatres. With audience enthusiasm at record highs, Sony’s bet on anime could be its smartest play in decades. 

Sony Confirms New Strategy, Taps Crunchyroll Library

At the Tokyo film market, Shebnem Askin, an executive at Sony Pictures International Productions (SPIP), officially confirmed the new direction. Askin stated the studio is "starting to look at different anime movies that we can hopefully adapt as live-action movies around the world," calling the initiative "one of our missions." This move to aggressively scout anime properties is now a key pillar of Sony's international strategy, moving beyond just chasing another Spider-Man spinoff.

Sony is uniquely positioned to execute this plan. Through its ownership of Crunchyroll, the world's largest anime streaming service, and Aniplex, Sony has an unparalleled library of intellectual property to mine for the next global franchise. 

The studio’s approach is also focused on authenticity. SPIP operates in ten countries and is collaborating with local Japanese creative talent and producers to avoid the cultural missteps and imitation that doomed earlier Hollywood anime remakes.

This strategy is already in motion, with a live-action One-Punch Man film already in development and other major anime IPs reportedly under consideration.

With Sony’s film subsidiaries already posting notable profits fuelled by its anime brands, the company's pivot looks both pragmatic and visionary. As audiences seek new, emotionally rich narratives, Sony is betting that the next great cinematic universe will be powered by anime’s worldwide momentum.