Several months ago, I reported on some fan-made My Hero Academia videos with impressive production values and cinematography, proving that anime live-action adaptations can indeed work.

Now that same YouTuber @RivenX3i (whose real identity is experienced Hollywood cinematographer Christopher Clark Cowan) has succeeded in making a full 15-minute pilot episode of his My Hero Academia live-action adaptation spin-off.

His previous credits include 2016’s Rogue One, 2017’s Kingsman: The Golden Circle, and 2018’s Solo: A Star Wars Story. Check out his astounding work in the video reel below.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACT5wa5UY-U&w=560&h=315]

While the episode is set in the world of My Hero Academia, it features completely original characters and quirks not seen in both the manga and anime. In fact, fans of the source material (and anime) should find the premise of this spinoff quite interesting.

The YouTube video explores the idea that famous Tokyo-based superhero academy “UA” has opened up a branch in Los Angeles, California, US. The protagonist is a student of this UA: LA, who decides to step up and be a hero, inspired by none other than the Symbol Of Peace, All-Might.

His hero name is Backtrack, and his quirk is Pinpoint, allowing him to teleport to wherever his All-Might keychain is. Basically, he uses his bag (with the keychain on it) as a warp point for instant teleportation, sort of like how Final Fantasy XV‘s Noctis uses his weapons for the same purpose.

However, the highlight of this fan-made My Hero Academia is its high production value and how it attempts to emulate the same aesthetics of the popular anime into live-action. The battle scenes are dynamic and kinetic in nature, like an actual anime come to life.

As a fan myself, I’d say that these guys have done an amazing job in capturing the essence of both the action and heart of the anime (emotional flashback scenes included). Kudos to Cowan, who directed, wrote, shot and choreographed the action scenes in the video.

Hollywood studios should hire Cowan to direct an actual My Hero Academia live-action movie. Don’t believe me? Check out the full pilot episode of his live-action My Hero Academia spinoff below.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oPMw8ftL6w&w=560&h=315]