According to various reports, some major elements of the upcoming "Attack on Titan" live-action films will deviate from the original manga series. Specifically, these include the setting and main characters of the movie.
Crossmap reported that two feature films will be released based on the series. Both films will cover the entire first season of the manga.
However, although the location featured in the animated series based on the manga is similar to Europe, the films will reportedly be set in Japan, according to the Anime News Network.
The news site noted that the decision to change the films' setting is connected to the filmmakers' concerns regarding Japanese actors portraying European characters.
This is also connected to certain changes regarding the character that will be featured in the films. One of these is the removal of Levi in the two movies. Although he played an important role in the series' first season, the producers decided to omit him from the films because his character is not Japanese.
Apparently, they do not want to hire a non-local actor for the "Attack on Titan" movies.
In addition, the personality of main character Eren Yeager has been changed for the films. Instead of being a fearless character with the desire to destroy the titans, he was changed to an ordinary teenager who is terrified of the gigantic monsters.
Although this could possibly draw the ire of the anime's and manga's hardcore fans, the films' writers made the change based on the request of Hajime Isayam, the manga series' creator.
Also, the writers made Mikasa Ackerman as the confirmed love interest of Yeager in the film. According to Vine Report, she will give him the strength to face his fears and take on the titans.
The first "Attack on Titan" live-action film will debut in Japan on Aug. 1 with a U.S. premiere set this fall. Its sequel, "Attack on Titan: End of the World," is expected to hit theaters on Sept. 19.
