Reviving the Fast & Furious Spirit: Sung Kang to Adapt Initial D Manga into Live Action Series
One of the most beloved car movie series of all time, Fast & Furious, not only garnered a massive fan following but also played a significant role in popularizing the tuning and street racing scene. In the early 2000s, chrome rims and neon lights became the rage, but like all trends, they eventually faded away… much to the disappointment of early enthusiasts. However, there’s good news on the horizon as Sung Kang, a key member of Vin Diesel’s crew, and known for his role as Han in Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift, is set to bring back the essence of the franchise by adapting the manga Initial D into a thrilling Live Action series. With Kang taking on the role of director, get ready to witness some screeching tires!
What’s the Story Behind the Initial D Anime?
The Initial D manga, written by Shuichi Shigeno, captivated readers from 1995 to 2013. With a total of 48 volumes, it also received an anime adaptation spanning across five seasons and three films. A Chinese Live Action version of the franchise is already available on Netflix. The story revolves around a young high school student named Takumi Fujiwara, aged 18, who helps his father’s tofu business by making deliveries in the morning on the treacherous Mount Akina. Behind the wheel of his Toyota AE 86, Takumi fearlessly races down the famous mountain road like no other. One fateful day, he finds himself facing Keisuke Takahashi, a skilled street racer, in a thrilling race. Despite his lack of interest in racing or cars, Takumi emerges victorious. However, his triumph leads to unexpected consequences as his defeated opponent seeks revenge. Although initially reluctant, Takumi is drawn into the world of racing by his newfound passion.
In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Sung Kang revealed that he is already working on the film. Reportedly, the renowned Porsche tuner “RWB” is involved in creating the iconic Toyota AE 86. For Kang, like many actors, venturing behind the camera to create a work of his own has been a long-standing ambition. This won’t be his directorial debut, as he previously helmed the horror comedy Shaky Shivers. As of now, no release date has been announced for the Initial D Live Action series, so fans will have to wait in anticipation.
