Imagine this: in 2025, we could have been tuning in to an anime featuring the Spice Girls and the Wu-Tang Clan. Sounds wild, right? Well, it’s almost reality, thanks to revelations from Lawrence Guinness, a senior VP at Manga Entertainment, known for distributing iconic anime like Perfect Blue and Street Fighter Alpha.
During a recent interview with AnimEigo, Guinness shared details about two ambitious projects that were once in the pipeline—one starring the world-renowned Spice Girls. The animated film was titled Girl Power: The Anime and would have been crafted by Production I.G, famous for their work on the classic Ghost in the Shell.
Guinness mentioned that Manga had made “very advanced talks” with the Spice Girls’ management during the initial pitching stage. He believed this project could have captivated fans of popular anime at the time, much like Studio Ghibli does today. He vividly recalled how teenage girls would have flocked to cinemas to catch this unique blend of music and anime. “If that’s not girl power in action, I don’t know what is,” he declared confidently.
What about the Wu-Tang Clan? They were not left out of this creative endeavor. The animated series titled The Imperial Warrior was nearly a reality, with much of the groundwork laid. Sadly, some members of the group didn’t give their approval. Guinness envisioned Wu-Tang as they challenged evil forces through music and martial arts. He highlighted that the soundtrack—featuring talented artists like RZA and Ghostface Killah—was nothing short of phenomenal, making this project a missed opportunity that he still feels passionate about.
Japanese creators have historically drawn inspiration from Western music, integrating elements from iconic figures like Prince and Aaliyah into works like Michiko & Hatchin and My Hero Academia. It’s not uncommon for musicians to see fictionalized adaptations in films and TV. Guinness aimed to blend anime with the essence of Western culture through these two iconic projects. Interestingly, RZA has since been involved in projects like Afro Samurai, and there’s an action game called Wu-Tang: Rise of the Deceiver in the works—a small victory in the fusion of these two worlds.
Regrettably, the Spice Girls never saw their animated vision materialize. It would have been a fun and vibrant way for the band to live on in pop culture through an anime movie filled with original songs and exciting action sequences.
What kind of music inspirations are present in anime today? Various shows and movies often celebrate genres like hip-hop or pop through character designs and storylines. The anime community continues to evolve, embracing different musical influences.
Are there other musicians who have been featured in anime? Yes, many artists have inspired anime characters, leading to unique storylines that resonate with fans of both music and animation.
Could an anime adaptation of a popular band succeed today? Given the merger of music and visual storytelling in series like Love Live! and IDOLiSH7, it’s clear that the concept remains relevant and appealing to various demographics, especially to younger audiences.
How often do we see the combination of Western pop culture in anime? The merging of Western music and Japanese animation isn’t commonplace but happens enough to create memorable moments in shows and movies.
What was the overall vision of combining anime with Western pop culture? The aim was to take beloved musical icons and present them in a new light, creating engaging content that resonates with fans both in Japan and around the world.
It’s a shame to miss out on such creative collaborations, yet they highlight the exciting potential for future projects that blend music and animation. For more intriguing stories and entertainment updates, explore what’s happening at Moyens I/O.