2017’s live-action Fullmetal Alchemist film will have not one but two sequels.
Based on the popular manga and the two critically acclaimed anime series (2003’s Fullmetal Alchemist and 2009’s Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood), 2017’s live-action Fullmetal Alchemist film will finally have a sequel. However, instead of one, it’s been announced that there will be two sequels to the original 2017 film.
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In the original manga and two anime series, the story’s setting is in a fictional early 20th century where alchemy is widely practiced. The series focuses on two alchemist brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric. The plot revolves around the two brothers searching for the fabled philosopher’s stone. They are searching for the philosopher’s stone to restore their bodies after a failed attempt to resurrect their beloved mother using alchemy.
When the 2017 film was released, it received mixed reviews from critics and fans. Sadly, the film was considered a box office disappointment in Japan, only grossing around eight million dollars. However, the film did gain a cult following among fans, especially once it was made available for streaming on Netflix. The 2017 film adapts some story elements of the original manga, particularly the first four volumes. Now fans will finally have the chance to see how the story concludes with these last two upcoming films.
The Final Two Fullmetal Alchemist Films Announced
Warner Bros. has recently announced the two sequels of 2017’s live-action Full Metal Alchemist film in a new trailer. The trailer also featured new characters, action sequences, and footage from the two upcoming films. The second film sequel will be called The Avenger Scar. Then the third and final film installment is called Last Transmutation. Additionally, Warner Bros released two new posters for the films.
One of the posters showcases the two film titles and Ryosuke Yamada’s Edward Elric. The other poster showcases Mackenyu Ayata’s Scar. What is unique about this announcement is that these two upcoming films will release later this year. Revenge Scar will be released on May 20th, while Last Transmutation will release in June. 24th. The trailer does not give us more details about these two upcoming films, but we can assume both movies will be based on the original manga’s last volumes.
In the original Fullmetal Alchemist manga Scar is one of the series’ central characters. The character initially started as an antagonist, then an antihero, and an ally to the Elric brothers. Scar’s original motive was targeting alchemists working for the state military from Almestris. The reason for his motive because his people (Ishlavans) were victims of a civil war against the alchemists of Almestris. For The Avenger Scar, we can assume that film will focus on Scar’s battles with the state alchemists, confrontation with the Elric brothers, and his backstory.
In Last Transmutation, we can assume that the film will focus on the final battle between the Elric Brothers and their allies against Father. We can also assume that The Last Transmutation will have nods from The Promise Day story arc be adapted. Father is the main antagonist in the original manga series and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Father’s primary goal is to absorb Almestrian’s souls to become immortal and be a godlike figure. Thus Father’s plan involved committing a nationwide genocide, wiping out Almestris using a country-size transmutation circle, and doing it on The Promised Day.
With the final two live-action Fullmetal Alchemist films releasing this year, the 2017’s movie’s story can finally have closure. After the mixed reviews and box office disappointment of the original 2017 films, fans assumed that a sequel or a movie series was canceled. Hopefully, the final two installments of 2017’s Fullmetal Alchemist will improve from their predecessor and hopefully pay a spiritual tribute to the original manga and two anime series.
Are you excited for the final two installments in the Fullmetal Alchemist film trilogy? What is your favorite moment in the original Fullmetal Alchemist manga? Which of the two highly acclaimed anime series is your personal favorite? Let us know what you think in the comments below, or let us know on Twitter.
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Source: Warner Bros