Last month, Square Enix launched a website counting down to March 2nd. The website, while left shrouded in mystery, was part of Fullmetal Alchemist’s 20th Anniversary. It’s now been confirmed that the project will be a Fullmetal Alchemist live-action movie and sequel film series to the 2017 adaptation.
Fans are getting two for the price of one. The sequel will be split into two parts: the first of which, The Avenger Scar, releasing May 20th, and the second, The Last Transmutation, releasing June 24th. More news is still to come along with a promotional event allowing fans a chance to win an exclusive invitation to an April cast panel
While many have had mixed feelings about the first film — and other live-action adaptations such as the recent Cowboy Bebop Netflix series — it’s too early to speculate on the film’s quality. Come spring, fans will have to see for themselves.
What will the new Fullmetal Alchemist movie be about?
As of now, much of the film’s plot is unknown. Given that the first film kept mainly to the manga’s storyline, it’s likely that the subsequent films will continue the same theme. But because the 2003 and 2009 anime series diverge after the events covered by the first film, many have speculated about the direction The Avenger Scar and The Last Transmutation will take.
Coming as no surprise to fans who checked out the promotional website Vengeance Scar which counted down to March 2nd, the first film will follow the alchemist slayer, Scar. While Scar appeared in both the 2003 and 2009 anime, fans speculated whether Alkahestry and the nation of Xing — which were both left out of the first anime adaptation — would play a part in the film.
Luckily, the cast list confirms that the film will more closely follow the manga. Yuina Kuroshima and Keisuke Watanabe have been announced as Lan Fan and Ling Yao respectively. That’s not to say that the film may not take creative liberties, but seeing as this announcement is part of the manga’s 20th anniversary, it’s likely that the adaptation will be faithful.
How do I get an invitation to the Fullmetal Alchemist film’s pre-release event?
Those who follow the film’s official Twitter and retweet the official announcement will be entered in a raffle to receive an invitation to an exclusive premiere event. Only five people in total will be selected. In order to be selected, the post and the Twitter account need to be set to ‘Public’. Winners will be notified via direct message.
The deadline to be selected will end on March 30th. As of now, the event is planned for April and will take place in the Kanto region of Japan. The exact date and location will be confirmed at a later time. It’s worth noting that event details are subject to change or cancellation in the future.