Netflix, in collaboration with 21 Laps and Story Kitchen, is developing a live-action television series based on Atlus' long-running Persona role-playing game franchise. The adaptation will be helmed by Christopher Monfette, a writer and producer known for his work on "Star Trek: Picard" and "9-1-1", who is attached as showrunner.
Story Kitchen, a company with a growing portfolio of video game adaptations, is a key player in this project. Their previous successes include the "Sonic the Hedgehog" film series, and they are also involved with upcoming projects like the "Tomb Raider" show. Sega's senior executive officer Toru Nakahara, who was involved in the "Sonic" films, will also serve as an executive producer. Dmitri M. Johnson, Michael Lawrence Goldberg, and Timothy I. Stevenson are also attached to produce through Story Kitchen.
This announcement comes as fans anticipate future installments in the Persona series, with "Persona 4 Revival" and "Persona 6" on the horizon. The decision to adapt Persona into a live-action format may prove divisive among the fanbase, a sentiment echoed by the mixed reception to Netflix's recent adaptation of "The Last Airbender." However, the streaming service has also found success with video game adaptations, such as "One Piece," which garnered praise from both critics and audiences, demonstrating a potential for successful translations of beloved IPs. The success of this new Persona series will depend on the creative team's ability to resonate with the franchise's dedicated audience.