Iconic Anime Director Is Helming His First Live-Action English Language Movie

Mamoru Oshii is perhaps best known for highly influential anime, like Patlabor and Ghost in the Shell (above). He’s directed several live action films before, including the 2001 Polish language flick Avalon, and is now set to direct his first English language film. It’s called The Last Druid: Garm Wars, and here’s the plot summary, via ANN:

Taking place in a world of war known as Annwn, Garm Wars sets the scene with clone soldiers from 3 military tribes, in a bloody and perpetual battle of air, land and technology. One clone, Khara, finds herself separated from battle and on the run with unlikely companions. In seeking to know more about their joint existence, the fugitives instead find an unrelenting truth and the greatest battle of their lives.

Oshii first came up with The Last Druid over 15 years ago, when he was finishing up the first Ghost in the Shell anime. In 1997, Bandai Visual was planning on bringing the project to life as G.R.M. The Record of Garm War. It was supposed to be a CGI heavy, live action production; however, Oshii said that the digital environment at that time was “too undeveloped” and he was unable to complete the project.

“However, now in 2012, the environment for producing films has transformed, especially in digital technology which is currently operating at a shocking level compared to the time I first conceived this project,” said Oshii. “At long last, Garm Wars‘ time has come.”

Ghost in the Shell’s Oshii to Helm His 1st Live-Action English Film [ANN]