Netflix has had some rotten luck with adapting anime series into live-action. One disaster after another has killed any optimism that once lived within the fanbase. Though the pitch inspires more dread than hope, My Hero Academia seems to be the next contestant. They have a decent director and writer attached, but casting the main character will be critical.
Izuku Midoriya is one of the best shonen protagonists ever to grace the page or the screen. Director Shinsuke Sato is set to bring him into the world of live-action cinema for the first time. Sato is a veteran when it comes to anime adaptation, but this is his first American production. His options are immense, but some choices might be better than others.
Sota Fukushi
Hollywood gets a lot of pushback for casting older actors as high school students, but the film studios of Japan aren't any better on this issue. Sota Fukushi is 29, typically far too old to portray young Midoriya, but he did play Ichigo Kurosaki just a few years ago. Actors in their mid to late 20s often play teens in Japanese media, and it seems to pass without comment more often than not. Fukushi has the shonen protagonist experience in the well-received Bleach adaptation, but he's also celebrated for his performance in Kamen Rider Fourze. Bleach also gave Fukushi the chance to work with Sota. The director is fond of using the same actors in multiple projects, so it's not unlikely to see Fukushi in a future project. Midoriya would be a great place to see Fukushi pop up again.
Jack Dylan Grazer
Grazer is an American actor who has pulled in a few huge roles over the past five years. He starred as Eddie in It and Freddy in Shazam. Though his biggest superhero role is that of Billy Batson's young sidekick, he does portray a superhero that makes him perfect for the role of Deku. Grazer provides the voice of John Kent AKA Superboy in the DC animated film Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons. He's been in the industry since he was 11, but he has the practiced comedic timing and emotional delivery of a long-time talent. Grazer is a performer to keep an eye on as he reaches his 20s next year. If Netflix decides on an American Deku, Grazer is a fantastic choice for the role.
Ian Alexander
Alexander is 21 years old, but one wouldn't guess that by looking at them. They're best known for playing Buck Vu in the CW sci-fi series The OA and their more recent role as Gray in Star Trek: Discovery. Gamers might recognize Alexander for their performance as Lev in The Last of Us: Part II. They don't look like the traditional action hero, and they don't have a ton of starring roles under their belt, but Midoriya isn't the traditional hero either. Alexander has a unique appearance, a bracingly genuine on-screen presence, and a lot of heart in every role. It might be tough to imagine, but there's a very strong argument for Midoriya as a great starring role for a relative newcomer. Names like Tom Holland are always floated around, but an underdog hero like Midoriya should be embodied by someone fresh, unique, and special. Ian Alexander is a solid performer with a great career ahead of them, but this role could be a fascinating showcase for their talents.
Forrest Wheeler
Not a lot of people know that the kid who plays Emery Huang in ABC's well-received sitcom Fresh Off the Boat is also an award-winning two-time black belt martial artist. The combination of solid comedic performance and martial arts skills make him an obvious candidate for a role like Deku. Wheeler provided the voice for young Sub-Zero in Mortal Kombat: Legacy almost a decade ago and he's been an interesting performer in several small roles ever since. His only big showcase remains Fresh Off the Boat, in which he plays a charming middle child who is excellent at just about everything. The role of Deku might be the exact opposite, but it would be interesting to see a talented performer switch up their image so sharply. Forrest Wheeler would be a surprise, but he'd be a solid choice.
Kento Yamazaki
Sato's newest anime adaptation is also a Netflix production. Alice in Borderland started in 2020 and its third season will be dropping in 2022. Yamazaki stars as Ryōhei Arisu, the main character. He's also well known for his performance as the great detective L in the 2015 Japanese live-action adaptation of Death Note. Yamazaki is a favorite of Sato's, starring in both Alice and Sato's 2019 film Kingdom. Yamazaki is a great performer when it comes to the difficult work of adapting anime to the screen. That kind of experience could be a huge help to an otherwise challenging and ill-advised project.