A live-action television adaptation of the dark fantasy manga Claymore is in development at CBS Studios and Propagate Content, with actor Masi Oka (known for his roles in Heroes and Hawaii Five-0) attached as an executive producer, according to an announcement made in March 2025.
The project, a collaboration with Japanese publishing company Shueisha, aims to bring Norihiro Yagi’s complex and violent series to a wider audience. Claymore, which ran from 2001 to 2014 in Monthly Shōnen Jump and later Jump Square, is set in a medieval world plagued by shape-shifting demons called Yoma. Humanity’s defense rests with the Claymores, a group of half-human, half-Yoma female warriors tasked with hunting and destroying the creatures. The manga comprises 27 volumes, and a 26-episode anime adaptation by Madhouse aired in 2007.
The news has sparked a mix of excitement and apprehension among fans of the series, who have long guarded Claymore as a relatively unknown gem. Concerns center on the challenges of adapting Yagi’s intricate artwork and the series’ mature themes for live-action television. The success of Netflix’s One Piece adaptation has renewed interest in live-action manga adaptations, but also heightened fears that a beloved series could be compromised in translation.
Claymore distinguishes itself within the dark fantasy genre through its focus on female protagonists and its exploration of identity, prejudice, and the cost of power. The Claymores themselves are not simply warriors, but beings constantly battling their own inner demons, struggling to maintain their humanity while wielding the power of the Yoma. This internal conflict, coupled with the series’ graphic violence and morally ambiguous characters, contributes to its unique and compelling atmosphere.
Yagi’s artistry is a key element of Claymore’s appeal. His character and creature designs are frequently compared to those of Kentaro Miura (Berserk) and Tsutomu Nihei (Blame!, Knights of Sidonia), known for their detailed and often grotesque depictions of violence and horror. The visual representation of the Claymores’ transformations, as they tap into their Yoma powers, is particularly striking, blending elegance and monstrosity. Previous adaptations of similar manga, including anime versions of Berserk and Blame!, have struggled to capture the visual impact of the original artwork, leading some fans to worry about a similar outcome for the Claymore adaptation.
Oka’s involvement is seen as a potentially positive sign. As a self-described manga fan, he previously co-produced the 2017 Netflix adaptation of Death Note and has a working relationship with CBS Studios through his role on Hawaii Five-0. Propagate Content also has a pre-existing relationship with CBS Studios. The success of the One Piece adaptation, which benefited from the involvement of creator Eiichiro Oda and showrunner Matt Owens, demonstrates the importance of respecting the source material and incorporating the vision of its creator.
As of February 20, 2026, a writer for the series has not been publicly announced. CBS Studios and Propagate Content have not provided a timeline for production or release. The project remains in early development, and its ultimate success will depend on the creative team’s ability to capture the essence of Claymore while adapting it for a new medium.