Introducing Netflix Original Film: Death Note

The first Western live-action adaptation of the hit manga series Death Note is on its way. We have all the details you need to know about this new Netflix Original movie, including the release date.

Based on the famous Japanese manga written by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, Death Note follows a high school student who comes across a supernatural notebook, realizing it holds within it a great power; if the owner inscribes someone’s name into it while picturing their face, he or she will die. Intoxicated with his new godlike abilities, the young man begins to kill those he deems unworthy of life.

The History

This property has a long narrative. Beginning with the manga, it has seen several different adaptations over the years including anime and live action. There have been a total of five other movies already made, all in Japan. This new Netflix take on the story is the first time it has been adapted specifically for American audiences.

The Director

Notable horror director Adam Wingard is the man behind the scenes. His most notable film is the slasher movie You’re Next, but he’s also directed The Guest, and segments for The ABCs of Death, V/H/S, and V/H/S 2.

The Cast

Nat Wolff (The Fault in Our Stars, Paper Towns ) stars as Light Turner, the high-school student who discovers the Death Note and uses it to kill criminals by writing their names and causes of death, and thus becoming a world-famous serial killer.

Lakeith Stanfield stars as L, a highly intelligent and skilled detective who is determined to capture Light and end his reign of terror.

Willem Dafoe stars as the voice of Ryuk, a demonic god of death and the creator of the Death Note who begins communicating with Light when he receives the book and warns him about its repercussions.

Could they have possibly picked a better guy for this role?

Other cast members:

Margaret Qualley as Mia Sutton: Light’s classmate and love interest, who becomes an ally in his mission to rid the world of criminals.
Paul Nakauchi as Watari: L’s assistant.
Shea Whigham as James Turner: Light’s father and a police officer who aids L in bringing down the mysterious Kira, unaware that he is Light.