When James Cameron’s Alita: Battle Angel hit theaters in 2019, it brought Yukito Kishiro’s beloved manga to life in a dazzlingly ambitious way. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by Cameron, the film delivered a high-octane, cyberpunk adventure, complete with cutting-edge visuals and a story that fans fell in love with. Fans especially loved Rosa Salazar's portrayal of Alita, a cyborg getting through the dangerous Iron City, and the story left audiences hungry for more. But, five years later, the long-awaited sequel remains a "what if".

Despite its moderate box office success, Alita: Battle Angel has found a new surge in popularity on Netflix, where it climbed to the platform’s Global Top 10 charts in November 2024. The renewed interest shows that Alita's story still has many fans who love it. But with no concrete sequel plans on the horizon, fans are left wondering why Hollywood's best anime adaptation remains incomplete.

Alita Went From Manga To Live-Action Masterpiece

The Making Of The Cyberpunk Gem Alita

Alita: Battle Angel was not just another manga adaptation, it was a labor of love nearly two decades in the making. When it was first announced in 2003, the project faced many delays as Cameron devoted his energy to the Avatar franchise. It wasn't until 2016 that Robert Rodriguez took the reins as Alita's director, with Cameron and Laeta Kalogridis co-writing the script.

The film had a stellar cast, including Christopher Waltz as Dr. Ido, Jennifer Connelly, Mahershala Ali, and Rosa Salazar, whose performance as Alita was a mix of live-action and CGI. The result was a visually stunning adaptation of Iron City and the gritty cyberpunk aesthetic of Kishiro’s manga. This level of detail and dedication made Alita: Battle Angel more than a typical adaptation, but a fan-loved one.

Despite these strengths, the film’s theatrical run was a mixed bag. With a $170 million budget, it earned about $401.9 million globally, most of it from international markets. While it was not a blockbuster hit domestically, it made enough to turn a modest profit after DVD and Blu-ray sales.

A Cult Classic In The Making

Alita's Cultural Impact And Fandom

Critical reception of Alita: Battle Angel was lukewarm, with a 61% score on Rotten Tomatoes. But the audience reception was completely different. The film holds a very high 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, which shows how enjoyable and fan-beloved it is. Viewers connected with Alita's journey of self-discovery and her struggles in a dystopian world, making the film a cult classic.

The ionate fandom has been extremely important in keeping the dream of a sequel alive. From social media campaigns to petitions, fans have kept on promoting Alita's story, arguing that another film is needed. Alita's rise on Netflix recently proved that interest in the film has not ended, it has only grown stronger. This surge of enthusiasm surrounding Alita shows that the film has been and continues to be an anime fan-favorite and that there could be demand for more live-action anime adaptations.

Why The Sequel Remains On Hold

Can Streaming Success Revive Alita?

Despite promises from Rodriguez and Cameron, Alita: Battle Angel 2 remains in limbo. The acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney complicated the film’s sequel prospects, as the studio is currently prioritizing established franchises over new stories. Rodriguez has acknowledged the challenges, noting that Disney’s transitional period delayed discussions about a sequel.

In 2023, the creators reaffirmed their commitment to a follow-up, sparking hope among fans. But there has been no news about a concrete production timeline or official announcements since then, leaving the future of the franchise uncertain. The continued success of Alita on streaming platforms like Netflix could potentially sway decision-makers, proving that there is still a large market for this manga adaptation.

Alita: Battle Angel is more than just a visually unique anime film, it is a heartfelt story about identity, resilience, and redemption. It is a complex mix of cyberpunk aesthetics and a very emotional tale, making it a live-action adaptation that stood out. This has earned Alita a dedicated fanbase that refuses to let the story fade away and be forgotten. As Alita: Battle Angel enjoys its renewed popularity, it is clear that fans are ready for her return. Hollywood may have overlooked the film's potential when it first released, but the growing fanbase and streaming success send a powerful message that the story is far from over.