Former Fast X Director Justin Lin To Direct One Punch Man Manga Adaptation - Report

As was well publicized earlier this year, director Justin Lin abruptly exited Fast X one week into production in April 2022. It didn't take him long to line up a new gig--according to Deadline, Lin is set to direct a live-action adaptation of the popular manga series One Punch Man for Sony Pictures.

One Punch Man began life as a webcomic in 2009 by Japanese artist ONE, quickly gaining enough success to also become a manga and later a TV anime series. (A console and mobile game followed later.) Lin will team with Avi Arad and Ari Arad of Arad Productions (Spider-Man film series, X-Men film series) on the adaptation.

The series follows the story of Saitama, a hapless loser who discovers an incredible workout regime that makes him an invincible superhero who can literally defeat any opponent with a single punch. As One Punch Man, Saitama finds himself simultaneously bored by the lack of any legitimate challenge to his strength--and also disinterested in the Hero Association, which has recruited him to help protect Earth against all who wish to destroy it.

Citing unnamed sources, Deadline is indicating that Sony Pictures is keen to make One Punch Man into a viable franchise.

In related manga adaptation news, it was reported in May 2022 that Bad Robot--J.J. Abrams' production company--is working to adapt a live-action and "back-to-basics" series version of Speed Racer.