Now that production has begun onNetflix’s new thrillerDeath Note, one of the most important voice roles in this adaptation has been cast.Willem Dafoehas come aboard to voice Ryuk the Shinigami in this adaptation ofTsugumi OhbaandTakeshi Obata’s iconic manga. We aren’t sure when the actor will start recording his role, but the actor closed his deal while also currently filmingJustice Leaguefor Warner Bros.
Mashablereports thatWillem Dafoejoins a cast that also includesNat Wolffas Light Turner,Margaret Qualleyas Mia Sutton,Keith Stanfieldas L,Paul Nakauchias Watari andShea Whighamas James Turner. The story centers on high school student Light Turner, who comes across a supernatural notebook, realizing it holds within it a great power. If the owner inscribes someone’s name into it while picturing their face, he or she will die.
Intoxicated with his new godlike abilities, the young man begins to kill those he deems unworthy of life. In the original manga, Ryuk the Shinigami is the creature that actually created thisDeath Notebook, and left it on Earth to see what would happen when someone discovers its powers. Ryuk was voiced byShido Nakamurainin the 2006 Japanese anime adaptation, withBrian Drummondproviding the voice for the English version of that movie.
Adam Wingardwill direct from a script that has been worked on byAnthony Bagarozzi,Jeremy Slater,Chuck Mondry,Vlas ParlapanidesandCharley Parlapanides. The film will be produced byRoy Lee,Dan Lin,Jason HoffsandMasi Oka. Several years ago,Shane Black, and thenGus Van Sant, were attached to direct, when thismanga adaptationwas set up at Warner Bros.
Willem Dafoerecently lent his voice to the animated blockbusterFinding Dory, which has gone on to become the biggest movie this year at the domestic box office. He will next be seen alongsideMatt DamoninThe Great Wall, and in bothJustice LeagueandAquamanas Vulko. We’ll be sure to keep you posted with more updates onDeath Noteas soon as more information is released.
