The Hollywood Reporter took a look at Netflix’s slate of original films to be released this year and beyond, with the streaming service’s movie unit headed by former Universal executive, Scott Stuber. It mentions how Netflix has few “brand name film franchises”, so it turns out that they intend to turn Death Note into one of them as they are developing a sequel to the live-action adaptation.

Based on Tsugumi Ohba’s manga, Death Note was released in August 2017, with Netflix’s chief content officer, Ted Sarandos, calling the film a “sizeable success”. Because Netflix does not release viewing data on the programmes and films on their platform, it’s anyone’s guess on what “sizeable success” actually means. Nevertheless, it’s enough to warrant a sequel.

Screenwriter Greg Russo is working on the script for the sequel. Russo is also writing a live-action adaptation of the video game F.E.A.R., and live action reboots of Mortal Kombat and Resident Evil. There is no word on if Adam Wingard will return to direct, though it’s probably unlikely.

Not only is Wingard currently busy working on Godzilla vs. Kong, but in September 2017 he also left Twitter, likely due to comments and death threats made towards the director (Wingard revealed that people told him he “had ruined Death Note” and that he received death threats before the script to the film was even finished).

Also when talking to MyM Magazine (issue 65), it turns out that Wingard did have ideas for a sequel, as he described the first film as Light’s arc. “Of course, we have a very different fate for L,” said Wingard. “It would be cool to take this and see where that trajectory goes.”