2 New Live-Action Films in the Future of Fullmetal Alchemist

On October 4, 2003, one of the world’s greatest anime was shown. Fullmetal Alchemist immediately made an impact for those who tuned in on that fateful day. Fullmetal Alchemist is an anime set in a world where alchemy is a science and is practiced by many people. 

The anime follows two brothers, Edward Elric and Alphonse Elric. Known for their superb skills in alchemy, the Elric brothers are on a quest to revive their mother. Edward is also bent on helping Alphonse recover his true body. Due to their skill, the brothers become state alchemists, working with the Amestrian State Military under the direct supervision of another talented alchemist, Roy Mustang. 

Fullmetal Alchemist or FMA captures its audience’s hearts with humor and action. Through their adventures and missions, FMA also gets deep into many issues such as war, race, science, and ethics. Although some might see it only as a “fun” and action-packed show, the situations depicted in some of the anime’s episodes or scenes often reflect what people deal with in real life.

If you’re totally new to the world of Fullmetal Alchemist, don’t worry. This article will help you dive right in so you can enjoy the two upcoming live-action films. The world of FMA is vast; before you get into the movies, here are some things you should know about the anime:

FMA and FMA: Brotherhood

Those who are new to the series will always have this question: What do I watch first? Fullmetal Alchemist, or Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood? The answer is really up to you; however, before picking which one to start watching, here are some differences between the two anime:

FMA and FMA: Brotherhood have the same characters and are set in the same world. The difference is that the 2003 FMA faithfully follows the manga only halfway through its run. Hiromu Arakawa, the manga artist behind this acclaimed series, has requested a new ending to the anime since the manga was still ongoing.  

Arakawa’s request was heeded, and FMA has a different ending in the manga, therefore having an entirely original storyline that might pique the interests of newcomers. FMA concludes with the events in the 2005 movie Conqueror of Shamballa. FMA: Brotherhood, released in 2009, follows the manga religiously until its end. The quality of animation is also noticeably improved with FMA: Brotherhood. 

Characters

FMA is called by many as one of the best anime to ever watch because of tackling real-life issues, incredible world-building, plot, and its characters. The number of interesting, likable, and despised characters in FMA are just too many to mention in just one sitting, so we’ll only list down the main characters:

Main Characters:

Edward Elric – Also known as the Fullmetal Alchemist, Ed is the show’s main protagonist. He is a talented alchemist on a journey with his brother Alphonse to find the Philosopher’s Stone, a valuable item that can be used for strong transmutations.

Alphonse Elric – Alphonse is Edward’s younger brother and is also a powerful alchemist who excels in hand-to-hand combat. Alphonse’s soul is bound to a suit of armor, and his original body was lost due to an experiment with Ed.

Roy Mustang – Known as the Flame Alchemist, Roy is the Elric Brothers’ direct superior. He aims to be Amestris’ next Führer.

Winry Rockbell – A gifted mechanic and an expert with automail, Winry is a childhood friend of the Elric Brothers and is the love interest of Edward Elric. 

Scar – Scar is an Ishvalan warrior priest who is one of the survivors of the Ishvalan Extermination Campaign. He is named after a large scar on his face. Scar hunts downstate alchemists for their roles in the massacre of his people. 

May Chang – One of the princesses from Xing, May Chang embarks on a quest for immortality to help her clan’s status. 

Ling Yao – A crown prince from one of the stronger clans in Xing, Ling Yao arrives in Amestris to search for the Philosopher’s Stone to secure his claim to the throne.

Antagonists

Homunculi are a race of humanoids with special powers and created by Father, the main antagonist of the series. Under Father are seven powerful homunculi that are named after the seven deadly sins: Pride, Envy, Wrath, Lust, Greed, Sloth, and Gluttony. 

New Live-Action Films

Now that you’re all caught up, the two new live-action films for this incredible series are coming to the big screen in the future. These two films are sequels to the original 2017 live-action film: Fullmetal Alchemist. 

The first of the two new films will be released on May 20, 2022. The second movie will welcome fans when released a month later, June 24, 2022. As you can see, the wait isn’t that long, and many newcomers and die-hard fans are excited about these movies.

Information About the Movies

Fullmetal Alchemist: Final Chapter – The Avenger Scar, will come out on May 20, 2022. The movie’s plot sees the Elric Brothers battling it out with Scar. Due to the tragic nature of Scar’s past, fans are surely in for an emotionally-action-packed confrontation between the series’ protagonists.

The next film to air on June 24, 2022, is titled Fullmetal Alchemist: Final Chapter – The Last Transmutation. The movie leads up to the end of the anime series and will depict the epic final battle. If you’ve seen the ending of FMA: Brotherhood, you know this is one battle you wouldn’t want to miss. Trailers have been released for both films, and many fans are happy with the quality and level of production poured into these movies. 

Both films will see many of the original actors reprising their roles from the 2017 movie. Returning cast members include:

Ryōsuke Yamada – Edward Elric

Atomu Mizuishi – Alphonse Elric

Tsubasa Honda – Winry Rockbell

Dean Fujioka – Roy Mustang

Misako Renbutsu – Riza Hawkeye

Ryuta Sato – Maes Hughes

Kanata Hongō – Envy

Shinji Uchiyama – Gluttony

Although many will reprise their roles, there are also a lot of newcomers to play the roles of equally essential characters in the movie. Here are some of the new cast members:

Mackenyu – Scar

Keisuke Watanabe – Ling Yao

Long Meng Rou – May Chang

Yuki Yamada – Solf J. Kimblee

Hiroshi Tachi – King Bradley

Kokoro Terada – Selim Bradley

Seiyō Uchino – Van Hohenheim

The Future of Fullmetal Alchemist

With two new movies coming in fast, it’s easy for fans to think that a new anime or manga series about Fullmetal Alchemist is in the works. The new movies are in line with the FMA franchise’s 20th-anniversary project. 

The latest release for Fullmetal Alchemist was a light novel titled Full Metal Alchemist: A New Beginning. Although fans will expect something new, it’s actually a US release. The original Japanese release of Fullmetal Alchemist: A New Beginning was way back March 22, 2007. 

Although many would welcome a new anime or idea, many die-hard fans know that FMA and FMA: Brotherhood is a masterpiece on their own and doesn’t need a reboot or spin-off. The movies are just cherries on top to cap off a beautiful and lasting anime that everyone should try watching. 

Conclusion

Fullmetal Alchemist is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year by giving fans two incredible movies. First, fans will see Edward and Alphonse taking on Scar in Fullmetal Alchemist: Final Chapter – The Avenger Scar, released on May 20, 2022. After a short wait, another movie, Fullmetal Alchemist: Final Chapter – The Last Transmutation, will make its way on the big screens on June 24, 2022.

If you’re new to the franchise, consider watching the anime. Not only will you fully enjoy the upcoming movies, but you’ll also be treated to one of the best anime of all time.