As reported by Screen Rant, the official cast of the main characters of the new live-action film "Death Note" has been released, showcasing a diverse set of actors and the name changes given that the film is being made for a Netflix release and not solely for a Japanese audience like the original anime series or Japanese live-action films.
"Paper Towns" star Nat Wolff is set to play Light Turner. In the Japanese series, the main character was named Light Yagami and the change may be simply to make it fit the American version of the character. Light's girlfriend Misa Amane has been altered to Mia Sutton and will be played by Margaret Qualley from "The Leftovers."
Keith Stanfield, known for his role in "Straight Outta Compton," has been confirmed to play the detective known only as L. In the manga and anime L is drawn like a Japanese character but he has been established to be at least half-British and was raised in a special British orphanage, making it more feasible for any racial background to play the character without altering too much.
A report from Movie News Guide says that several leaked photos showcase Stanfield filming several scenes as L in Vancouver. The photos showcase him wearing a mask as he addresses a large crowd.
L's assistant and butler, Watari, retains his name and is set to be played by Paul Nakauchi.
Light's father, internal affairs officer James Turner, will be played by "Agent Carter" star Shea Whigham. Whigham has also appeared in "Game of Thrones," "Star Trek Beyond" and the upcoming series "Vice Principals."
"Death Note" tells the tale of high school student Light Turner, who aspires to be a lawyer and take down criminals like his father. Light discovers a supernatural notebook that gives him the power to kill anyone as long as he writes the person's true name and knows their face. Light abuses this to take every criminal he can, garnering the attention of L, the world's best detective who has managed to keep his face and real name a secret.
The film will launch on Netflix in 2017, although a specific release date has yet to be announced.
