Rumoured Final Fantasy live-action Netlflix series

[Dionysos]

A few days ago Giant Freakin Robot said that a 'trusted source' had hinted that Final Fantasy might be amongst a number of video game properties to receive the Netflix treatment.
See also these reports (here and here).


Pretty much nothing else is known, including whether there is any actual serious truth to it, but it got me thinking. Final Fantasy does appear to be going in this direction, at least a little bit. Not only do we have the FFIX animated series on the horizon (this much is confirmed for sure), but there has for years been talk about a live-action FFXIV series somewhere down the line.

So if there was a live-action Netflix series about Final Fantasy, what would you like it to be? Set in a universe you love? If so, which game? Or would you rather it be completely unique and set in a unique world?

 

[Paddy McGee]

Well, you know, FF XIV: Dad of Light is actually available on Ireland Netflix so maybe that's where the rumours come from!

Final Fantasy XIV: Dad of Light - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Jokes aside, I wonder if they'd chance an "original" concept for a live action adaption; we've seen many times that SE are willing to try something new for their shows, be it through FF: The Spirits Within or FF Unlimited. I like taking chances and not resting on laurels, it's refreshing to deal with.

I'd argue The Witcher suffered from its game connection by virtue of people being like "oh, but why is X,Y,Z and not ABC" because they didn't know the actual source material and only knew the games.

Anyway: if based off of a game, I'd really love something from FF II or FF V. They seem like the two that don't get as much love. I'm an avid FF II defender, I think the game has charm.

The biggest problem is really making sure the aspects of the games that make it into the show aren't, to be blunt, like high quality cosplay. A lot of these "live adaption" shows tend to really come across like that.

 

[Dionysos]

Well, you know, FF XIV: Dad of Light is actually available on Ireland Netflix so maybe that's where the rumours come from!

Final Fantasy XIV: Dad of Light - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I still need to watch that! I'd considered mentioning it while I created this thread but then forgot. The IRL guy died this year (or last year?) IIRC.

Jokes aside, I wonder if they'd chance an "original" concept for a live action adaption; we've seen many times that SE are willing to try something new for their shows, be it through FF: The Spirits Within or FF Unlimited. I like taking chances and not resting on laurels, it's refreshing to deal with.

I'd argue The Witcher suffered from its game connection by virtue of people being like "oh, but why is X,Y,Z and not ABC" because they didn't know the actual source material and only knew the games.

Anyway: if based off of a game, I'd really love something from FF II or FF V. They seem like the two that don't get as much love. I'm an avid FF II defender, I think the game has charm.

The biggest problem is really making sure the aspects of the games that make it into the show aren't, to be blunt, like high quality cosplay. A lot of these "live adaption" shows tend to really come across like that.

I think I'd be okay with an original concept, actually. I know Spirits Within wasn't very well-received by many, and FF Unlimited has largely been forgotten and had minimal impact on the wider FF lore, but at least with an original concept it wouldn't be interfering with any preconceived notions of an established, beloved universe. The FFIX animated series reveal generated mixed feelings of excitement and concern because that world is well-loved. A new universe could be fresh, so long as it still contains recognisable DNA from the wider franchise.

But if it was based on a particular game's universe, I'd be happy with anything to be honest, but particularly FFV, FFVI, and FFVIII (not counting FFXIV as that other rumoured project could cover this). I've not listed FFVII because I think the Remake project and the various other FFVII material is covering a lot of ground here as it is. It might be my favourite game, but I'd be happy to let other games shine.

If based on FFV, hopefully it would be better than the anime sequel (the one where Bartz's descendent puts a magic crystal up her butt, and I'm not even kidding). I'd quite like a narrative focused on Captain Faris if it was up to me! Black Sails meets Final Fantasy, etc.

The 'cosplay effect' would be more easily avoided in more grounded, modern day, or futuristic settings rather than high fantasy. FFXV, for example, being the closest to home, although not being the most memorable in terms of aesthetics.

 

[Raspberry]

i have not had any hope in Square Enix to come up with anything new. They are creatively bankrupt. All their imagination and ideas going into a single MMO while the others are left to waiting for FF16.

i would love for them to push the boundaries again with FF and make something completely brand new. but that's just being too hopeful

 

[Mister Goober]

All I know and care about is that they better not make anything FF8-related. I would hate for them to ruin my beloved FF8 characters with subpar actors.

If they actually go the FF8 route, they better do a good job with it.

 

[Dionysos]

All I know and care about is that they better not make anything FF8-related. I would hate for them to ruin my beloved FF8 characters with subpar actors.

If they actually go the FF8 route, they better do a good job with it.

Yeah, I think it would be quite difficult to cast a Final Fantasy VIII live action series and avoid harsh criticism. This game is visually more realistic than most games, so our images of what the characters look and act like are fairly strong and well-grounded in what is actually seen in the game. People will notice if Squall doesn't look like Squall. On the other hand, at least the costumes would be easier to recreate for live action without looking too cheesy.

It would be far safer to do a live action series for the 2d games or an original project. They could enjoy more creative freedom there.

If they were to tackle FFVIII here then I think I would prefer an original story within that universe. There is quite a lot of lore hinted at that is untouched in terms of what we are allowed to see. The former power of Dollet before the Galbadian dominance. The early years of Adel's reign. Laguna's time governing Esthar. The time of the ancient Centra. Ultimecia's origins in the future and the world as it is then. And so on.

It wouldn't need to feature the main cast at all.