Netflix's English adaptation of the mega-hit Japanese manga, "Death Note," has received criticisms where the streaming service was even accused of whitewashing. Despite the negative talks, though, the trailer became easily became a trending post on Youtube where it already has millions of views in just a few days of release.
Netflix released on Wednesday the first trailer of its new original film, "Death Note." The company partnered with director Adam Wingard to give horrifying effects to the U.S. version of the highly popular Japanese novel. Despite getting nearly four million views though on Youtube, Netflix received criticisms from some corners as a "Death Note" fan started a petition against the film and accused the company of another whitewashing case.
The petition came after reportedly seeing that the "Death Note" trailer featured the same characters and story but has not even included a Japanese actor to more effectively deliver the scenes. The petition against the Netflix film was launched by Sarah Rose, who wrote on a petition page: "The Death Note manga has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. It also brought two films, a globally successful anime, and a musical." She also stressed out the importance of following the Japanese platform writing: "The story itself is full of Japanese culture, history, and identity - and the Japanese narrative is essential to the plot and storytelling."
The streaming service has not yet given any reactions to the growing petition but the instant popularity that its "Death Note" version acquired might not force Netflix to change the film. Also, the movie will is already scheduled for release in August, making it quite impossible to still alter the concept.
"Death Note" by Netflix is a film based on a Japanese manga series originally penned by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. Netflix adapted the original lead character Light Turner/Yagami (Nat Wolff) who finds a notebook that gives the holder the ability to kill anyone whose name is written on the pad. The "Death Note" trailer recently released then gives fans a glimpse at the sinister shots showing how Light discovers the dark secret of the notebook he found.
The Japanese comic rose into popularity worldwide where it has been turned into a musical, an anime series and a film franchise. The past adaptations used Japanese actors to portray the character Light Yagami, but Netflix swayed from the trend, tapping the first American star to give life to the role.
