Some anime series should stay animated, and Jujutsu Kaisen is one of them for several reasons. It’s a show about fighting curses, some of which look abhorrent and disgusting. Those cannot be translated well into a live-action format. Instead of looking eery, they might end up looking goofy.
What makes a live-action adaptation even worse for a Japanese anime is the demand to make a Hollywood one. Fans always end up casting the same actors and actresses for the cast so why would Jujutsu Kaisen be any different? Why not have Tom Holland as Yuji Itadori?
While it’s true that not all anime revolve around Japan, Jujutsu Kaisen is very much set in that environment. It also involves many Japanese rituals, mythology, and folklore. This fan edit of Hollywood stars as the Jujutsu Kaisen main characters reinforces how terrible of an idea this is.
Ryan Gosling as Satoru Gojo is one of the worst ideas we’ve seen
The Hollywood fan adaptation of Jujutsu Kaisen is like a prank gone wrong or a themed Halloween party.
Ryan Gosling as the fan favorite Satoru Gojo looks like the cosplay bbno$, a Canadian rapper, did as a challenge. It just doesn’t fit or look professional. Zendaya as Nobara Kugisaki and Timothée Chalamet as Megumi Fushiguro feels like a fever dream. This isn’t Dune 2.
Tom Holland as Yuji Itadori also suggests he would play Sukuna Ryomen. He, however, doesn’t look intimidating enough. The main antagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most malicious villains to grace the anime community. Holland just cannot exude that aura.
Jujutsu Kaisen fans did not like this edit on X one bit and rightfully so. The series doesn’t need a Hollywood adaptation and the edit proves it.
That Gojo is ugly as hell. We need someone that looks godly
— FlyingDBZ (@FlyingDBZ) February 27, 2025
Ryan gosling as gojo is probably the most hilarious fancast I’ve ever seen in my life
— scorpo2007 (@gigastand2000) February 27, 2025
Damn this the ugliest shit I’ve ever seen😭😭😭😭
— Timothy (@soyeounn) February 27, 2025
— Tenny (@Tenny_off) February 27, 2025
Yeah i dont see him as Sukuna pic.twitter.com/hWM3muspL5
— Ascendance (@AscendTheDark) February 27, 2025
One X user also brought up that these particular actors are always fan-cast as the live-action counterparts of most animated series. It’s as if other actors don’t exist.
— Lilya (@silliestcurse) February 27, 2025
Jujutsu Kaisen doesn’t work in the Hollywood context. All of these stars are incredibly talented and experienced. However, there’s a cultural significance that cannot be replaced.
Jujutsu Kaisen is inherently Japanese
Gege Akutami has written the series with Japanese traditions, culture, and mythology in mind. It incorporates Buddhist beliefs and Shinto ceremonies into the series. The cursed spirits are based on Yokai folklore, very similarly to Dandadan.
The first mention of Sukuna in Japanese mythology dates all the way back in the 8th century in Nihon Shoki, the second-oldest Japanese history book. There are many variations of his story, some where he’s even a protective deity. However, it’s clear Akutami drew heavy inspiration from it.
In the end, Jujutsu Kaisen cannot be translated in the Hollywood context without drastically changing the story. It wouldn’t be recognized as the original after that stage. We shouldn’t put Hollywood on a pedestal. It’s not the only film industry that can make live-action adaptations.
Jujutsu Kaisen is available on Crunchyroll and Netflix.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
