'Death Note': Netflix Unveils Its First Mystery-Shrouded Teaser
A lot of Japan-based manga are getting remade into a live action film this year. Netflix's version of "Death Note" is one such thing and it has released its first trailer, which got mixed reactions from fans of the original material.
In the video teaser, Light Turner (Nat Wolff) chances upon the infamous black notebook falling from the sky as he was in a cemetery. Curious to see what it was, he opens it and sees a note, saying whoever's name is written on it will die. Many unusual casualties happen after he starts writing names, with three men jumping off high-rise buildings and people tragically falling from a Ferris wheel.
Somewhere close to the end, an ominous presence stares into him from the dark. After which, a familiar voice says, "Shall we begin?" The one talking from the shadows is presumed to be Ryuk, played by Willem Dafoe.
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Theatrically, the teaser itself rouses interest in the film, with shots shrouded in mystery waiting to be discovered. For fans of the Japanese manga, however, this is another case of whitewashing.
Netizens came in droves to social media, airing their disagreement. Some are thinking that this is another failed case of western adaptation, recalling flops such as "Dragon Ball Evolution" and "The Last Airbender."
The dismay is so palpable that everywhere, people are shouting foul over the attempted adaptation of the manga. A petition has also been made, accusing Netflix of whitewashing. "The Death Note manga has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. It also brought two films, a globally successful anime, and a musical," the petition says.
It adds, "Death Note shouldn't be cast with all white actors — as it goes against the very soul of the story." The said movement is only more than a hundred shy of the 5,000 goal.
Netflix has yet to provide a statement regarding the allegation. "Death Note" releases on Netflix on Aug. 25, 2017.
