Current Events > Kung Fu Panda Exec Says Hollywood Is At a Loss About Anime's Successes

(+) Yeah! (+)

When it comes to animation in America, things are never simple. For decades, the medium has trended to kids thanks to hits like Paw Patrol and The Powerpuff Girls. However, in the past 20 years, a shift has been happening with consumers. Animation is being demanded by older audiences, and anime has filled their appetite. The industry has become a huge player in the entertainment landscape globally, and in a recent chat, an executive on Kung-Fu Panda 4 admits Hollywood isn't sure how to handle the shift.
The confession comes from Stephanie Stine as the Kung-Fu Panda 4 co-director did a Q&A on Discord with fans. When asked about the shift in America's taste for animation, Stine said they love seeing more serious stories animated, but executives in Hollywood are still at a loss.
"I freaking love it!! Especially since so many audiences these days have grown up on more mature stories everywhere. I think in most bookstores for example, the manga/anime section takes up a majority of the floor space. But here's the catch: a lot of people in charge of the finances of making a movie think that audiences don't like these kinds of stories," she shared.
"I'm not sure why. Every time I've talked to an executive, they've told me that yes they totally see the influence and impact anime has had on the world. But no we will not do that. It's the highest of miracles to me that Spider-Verse was made in America."
Hollywood is a fickle beast that early adopts some trends while leaving other lucrative industries behind. In the case of anime, it has fallen into the latter category. The industry was seen as niche decades ago, but thanks to the Internet, anime has become incredibly accessible. The industry commands an impressive (and lucrative) fandom across the globe, and its profits show. In the domestic box office, titles like Demon Slayer and My Hero Academia have made bank. So hopefully, Hollywood gets its act together on anime ASAP.
What do you think about this confession about Hollywood's take on anime?

I think in most bookstores for example, the manga/anime section takes up a majority of the floor space.

Suits don't deserve the money they make, more at 11.

Every time I've talked to an executive, they've told me that yes they totally see the influence and impact anime has had on the world. But no we will not do that.

this seems so weird to me

I could understand not doing it because you don't think it's popular, but why would you specifically say it's popular and then just still say nah forget it

this seems so weird to me

I could understand not doing it because you don't think it's popular, but why would you specifically say it's popular and then just still say nah forget it

I think in most bookstores for example, the manga/anime section takes up a majority of the floor space.

anime is literally just 1 to 1 adaptations of really well made manga most of the time

hollywood cannot comprehend the idea of a 1 to 1 adaptation of source material

I honestly don't want Hollywood to look at anime for success. The only lesson they'll take out of it is that you can still get a popular product with a tiny budget.

Hollywood execs think the more well-known actors you have the better the movie is

And even if they do meet and exceed all these criteria in quality will likely be canceled within 2-3 seasons if they dont become TLAB or SpongeBob lv in success.

Hollywood makes animated movies for children that parents can enjoy. Japan makes anime for various different age groups. Idk just make animated movies for adults again.

I honestly don't want Hollywood to look at anime for success. The only lesson they'll take out of it is that you can still get a popular product with a tiny budget.

I mean if they wrote good animation like Batman TAS and Justice League, people would still care.

I honestly don't want Hollywood to look at anime for success. The only lesson they'll take out of it is that you can still get a popular product with a tiny budget.

Seriously, this.

I would watch the hell out of animated adaptions of the classic x-men comic book stories.

I don't know. It might be amusing to see them try to make an isekai.

Why do people talk about "Isekai" like some exclusive Japanese anime trope when its a story as old as time present in many Hollywood movies.

anime is literally just 1 to 1 adaptations of really well made manga most of the time

hollywood cannot comprehend the idea of a 1 to 1 adaptation of source material

Holy crap, 240p as the highest setting.

The further away Hollywood stays from anime, the better off everyone will be

Everything hollywood makes nowadays is so sterile and gives the feeling that it was "designed by committee".

Even good stuff gives me this uncanny feeling, like, the dune movie is like good and all but the art direction feels like it uses the same special effects and cgi as any marvel movie, it feels samey to my brain, even when its not.

Also, not an anti woke mouthbreather or anything, but I do feel a better balance needs to be found regarding representation if it's going to negatively impact creativity

anime is literally just 1 to 1 adaptations of really well made manga most of the time

hollywood cannot comprehend the idea of a 1 to 1 adaptation of source material

corporate suits at a loss about what the general public actually likes

Agreed. And I'm not even a huge anime fan, but the corporate Hollywood scum are continually proving that they are soulless husks with zero interest in creativity or even catering to established fanbases.

Also America has problems with making mature shows unless dookie humor. Sure we can let you see the whole airbender village gets slaughtered "because we want to make you think of breaking bad" but a flawed character growing out of their sexism is too much for you to handle.