It was a surprise when Daily Cyzo announced that a "Fullmetal Alchemist" live-action 2017 adaptation is currently being discussed for development. This will be directed by Fumihiko Sori who is known for producing "Appleseed" (2004) and directing the "Ping Pong" live action film (2002).
This Japanese film will be based on Hiromu Arakawa's manga which talks about the journey of two brothers, Alphonse and Edward Elric, searching for the philosopher's stone in order for them to restore their bodies. It all started when Ed (Edward) and Al (Alphonse) tried to revive their dead mother by using alchemy when they were young.
Sadly, Al lost his body while Ed lost his left leg as a consequence. Ed willingly sacrificed his right arm for Al's soul and transferred him inside the armor. Through their family's friend, Rockbell Automail, Ed received an automail leg and arm. They realized that they can never go back to their old life with their present bodies so they decided to find a solution for them to regain their original bodies.
From then, they started to lead a life of an Alchemist through the help of Roy Mustang, who convinced Edward to take the State Alchemy Exam. Edward passed the exam easily since he had experience in performing alchemy without using the transmutation circle. Along with their quest, they discover details that might lead them to the philosopher's stone and to the people who have it.
According to Crunchyroll, Hey! Say! JUMP member Ryosuke Yamada, who is known as Nagisa in the live-action adaptation of "Assassination Classroom," will be taking on Edward Elric's role. Aside from his skills in acting, it is believed that he might be able to pull off Edward Elric's character perfectly similar to how it was in the manga.
The filming is expected to run in Italy from Jun. to Aug. of 2016. They will be using CGI in the production so that they can stay loyal to the original "Fullmetal Alchemist" manga. This will also enable them to make more realistic special effects such as Alphonse Elric's armor.
