Michael B. Jordan names his top 5 anime and there could be a big clue

Michael B. Jordan has expressed interest in making a live-action anime adaptation – and there could be a clue in his top five favorite anime series.

The Sinners star has been vocal about his love of anime, and it shows in his work. In Creed 3, which he directed, Jonathan Majors’ character hits him just like Goku’s meteor smash punch against Frieza.

Earlier this year, he missed IMAX’s re-release of Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke – so they organized a private screening for him.

Now, as he lines up his next projects – including a remake of The Thomas Crown Affair – he’s spoken about the possibility of bringing an anime to life in live-action.

Dragon Ball fans want Michael B. Jordan to make a live-action movie

During a 2023 interview with BBC Radio 1’s Ali Plumb, Jordan was asked to name his top five anime for newcomers to the genre.

“One Piece, Dragon Ball, Naruto, Bleach, Hunter X Hunter… that’s a pretty good starting five,” he said.

In another video for GQ, he revealed that Naruto is his favorite anime of all time. “Been a fan of it for years, since I was maybe 12, 13 years old. I’ve literally seen Sasuke and Naruto grow up. At the end of it, I was pretty sad. I dropped a couple tears,” he wrote.

Here’s the thing: a live-action Naruto is already being developed by Shang-Chi director Deston Daniel Cretton (who’s also directing Spider-Man: Brand New Day), so that’s off the table for Jordan.

The second season of Netflix’s live-action One Piece series is also dropping later this year, so that leaves Bleach, Hunter X Hunter, and Dragon Ball. Given its influence on Creed 3 and its popularity, the latter is the likeliest option – and fans want it to happen.

“Provided there’s no studio meddling, I actually trust Michael B. Jordan to do it well. Look the inspiration Creed III took from anime, it’s clear he loves anime,” one user wrote.

“A Dragon Ball movie done right please,” another commented. “Please a live-action Dragon Ball movie,” a third posted. “A live-action anime is actually safest in Michael B. Jordan’s hands. Give him space and let him work,” a fourth wrote.

There has only been one live-action Dragon Ball movie: 2009’s Dragonball Evolution, which is largely regarded as one of the worst films of all time. Perhaps Jordan will right the wrongs of the past and make a live-action movie worth watching.