Legendary Japanese game developer and founder of Grasshopper Manufacture, Goichi “Suda51” Suda, has been involved with the creation and direction of many violent and action-heavy video games (and their main characters). From the hyper-sexualized chainsaw-wielding Juliet inLollipop Chainsawto the joke-cracking katana-wielding assassinTravis Touchdown inNo More Heroes, Suda knows how to make an interesting character and even more interesting (but sometimes divisive) video games.
Game Rant attended PAX East 2024 in Boston and chatted with Suda51 on a variety of topics, ranging from his feelings on aShadows of the Damnedsequel and his use of mature themes to who he would want to see play a live-action version of Travis Touchdown. Turns out that Suda has two picks in mind for the actor to take a shot at the role, and one of them had a starring role in the2023 live-actionBarbieflick– and no, it’s not Michael Cera.
The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Live Action No More Heroes Movie
When talking with Suda51, we asked him if he sees himself making things other than video games and if he would like to see one of his games turned into a movie, TV series, anime, manga, or other types of content.No More Heroeshas always been a top contender for a film from the fans, and it seems that Suda has actually gotten many offers and has had conversations with other people about turning it into a movie –it’s just something that hasn’t worked out yet, but he mentions it would be something he’s willing to try one day.
Game Rant also asked who Suda51 would want to see play Travis Touchdown in a live-action movie, and the two picks that he mentioned were Ryan Gosling and Johnny Knoxville.
Johnny Knoxville and Ryan Gosling for Travis Touchdown
Interviews in the past with Suda51 have mentioned the appeal of wanting Ryan Gosling in the pivotal role, but he hasn’t talked recently about wanting Knoxville for the role. However, it is worth noting that Suda51 has said in the past that Travis' character design was actually inspired by the Jackass member, but it seems that this might be the first time he’s mentioned Knoxville playing the part.
Suda said the two actors are getting up there in years, especially Johnny, but he thinks they would make a good fit. WithGosling’s breakout role inBarbieas Kenlast year, his fame is at an all-time high. If he were to get picked up as Travis in a movie, it would no doubt bring in many people who have no idea whatNo More Heroesis, giving the IP a nice push. Of course, Knoxville could still play Travis, too, but if the movie makers want the role to be age-appropriate, they’ll need an actor who can pass for a mid-20s or early 30s man.
A full transcript of Game Rant’s interview with Goichi Suda will be published shortly! We’ll be sure to link the article here.
