Sony’s Live-Action ‘One-Punch Man’ Film Reportedly Receiving Rewrite From ‘Rick & Morty’ Co-Creator Dan Harmon And Exec Producer Heather Anne Campbell

Saitama breaks his controller after losing to King on Yusuke Murata's cover to One-Punch Man Vol. 8 (2015), Shueisha
Saitama breaks his controller after losing to King on Yusuke Murata's cover to One-Punch Man Vol. 8 (2015), Shueisha

In crushing what tiny slivers of hope fans may have still held for the ill-advised project, Sony has reportedly tapped Ricky & Morty co-creator Dan Harmon and series executive producer Heather Anne Campbell to rewrite the script for their upcoming live-action film adaptation of One-Punch Man.

Saitama unleashes his might on Yusuke Murata's One-Punch Man-themed cover art to Weekly Shonen Jump Vol. 8 (2015), Shueisha
Saitama unleashes his might on Yusuke Murata’s One-Punch Man-themed cover art to Weekly Shonen Jump Vol. 8 (2015), Shueisha

RELATED: ‘One-Punch Man’ Anime Disappointingly Confirms Season 3 To Be Animated By J.C. Staff, Not Studio Mappa

Based on the manga series by author ONE (or more likely its ‘remake’, as simultaneously being produced by ONE and Eyeshield 21 artist Yusuke Murata), the live-action One-Punch Man film received this less-than-inspiring update on April 12th courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter.

In announcing that the man at the helm of the adaptation, Fast & The Furious series director Justin Lin, had agreed to provide his talents to Amazon’s upcoming crime thriller Stakehorse, the outlet’s Borys Kit concluded the news with a brief note that not only was Lin still attached to One-Punch Man, but that it was also “currently being rewritten by [Rick & Mortys] Dan Harmon and Heather Anne Campbell.”

Rick (Justin Roiland), Morty (Justin Roiland), Summer (Spencer Grammer), Jerry (Chris Parnell) and Beth (Sarah Chalke) form Gogotron in Rick and Morty Season 5 Episode 7 "Gotron Jerrysis Rickvangelion" (2021), Adult Swim
Rick (Justin Roiland), Morty (Justin Roiland), Summer (Spencer Grammer), Jerry (Chris Parnell) and Beth (Sarah Chalke) form Gogotron in Rick and Morty Season 5 Episode 7 “Gotron Jerrysis Rickvangelion” (2021), Adult Swim

Previously, as detailed at the time of the film’s initial green-lighting in 2020, the live-action outing was originally set to be penned by two of the writers behind Sony’s first Venom, Scott Rosenberg and Jeff Pinker.

To this end, as of writing, it is currently unknown just why – whether for creative differences, financial limitations, or otherwise – Sony chose to replace Rosenberg and Pink with Harmon and Campbell.

Notably, despite the film’s loss of the symbiote scriptwriters, it is currently assumed that One-Punch Man, as previously announced, will still feature production input from long-time Marvel film producer Avi Arad and his brother, Ari, via their eponymous production outlet Arad Productions.

Saitama Killer Move Serious Series
Saitama unleashes a barrage of Killer Move Serious Series: Serious Punches on Garou in One Punch Man Chapter 164 “Power-Squared” (2022), Shueisha. Words by ONE and Art by Yusuke Murata via Digital Issue

NEXT: ‘One-Punch Man’ Artist Yusuke Murata Unveils First Teaser For His Debut Original Anime ‘Zaiyuki’

At present, no official details regarding One-Punch Man‘s production, including its plot and potential cast, have been released by Sony.

However, according to alleged insiders who spoke to Variety’s Justin Kroll at the time of the project’s announcement, the film will purportedly unfold in a way that will allow Sony to set-up a full blown One-Punch Man cinematic universe.

Tatsumaki prepares to take on the fused Psykos-Orochi on Yusuke Murata's cover page to One-Punch Man Chapter 133 "The Ultimate Mind!" (2020), Shueisha
Tatsumaki prepares to take on the fused Psykos-Orochi on Yusuke Murata’s cover page to One-Punch Man Chapter 133 “The Ultimate Mind!” (2020), Shueisha

Meanwhile, on the ‘internet rumor front’, scooper Daniel Richtman has previously suggested that Sony was eyeing Snake Eyes (2021) star Henry Golding for the lead role of Saitama.

However, word of his casting has not yet been mentioned by either official sources or other scoopers.

Snake Eyes (Henry Golding) suits up at the conclusion to Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins (2021), Paramount Pictures
Snake Eyes (Henry Golding) suits up at the conclusion to Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins (2021), Paramount Pictures

NEXT: Sony Officially Tap ‘Fast & Furious’ Director Justin Lin To Helm ‘One-Punch Man’ Live-Action Hollywood Adaptation 

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