It was announced a few months back that Warner Bros would be moving ahead with their live-action adaptation of Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) with It and Mama director Andy Muschietti to helm the project. As for how the manga’s creator, Hajime Isayama, feels about the project, he revealed that negotiations had been years in the making and that he’s actually looking forward to the film.

As revealed by Comicbook, Hajime Isayama and the film’s producers David Heyman and Masi Oka gave an interview for the December issue of Bessatsu Shonen Magazine, which has been publishing Isayama’s manga since it began back in 2009. Suniuz and fuku-shuu of fan site SNK News have translated the interview.

“Regarding the film adaptation, many years have already passed since our initial negotiations started – but finally this day has come,” said Isayama. “First of all, I want to thank all the individuals who put great effort into making today a reality. Thank you for everything you’ve done so far, and please continue to support us from now on.”

It turns out that Isayama was already a fan of Andy Muschietti’s work, saying, “Long before any talks of the film initiated, I already watched Andy Muschietti’s feature films as an excited fan. Even though MAMA and IT are both in the horror genre, they are also fantastic examples of personal growth stories. To me, the ability to incorporate both excellent horror elements and protagonist development is one of the unique talents that only Andy possesses. I myself am quite proud of this rough-looking work that was created by an inexperienced novice – but now that it’ll pass through the creative minds of some of the most skilled people in the world…how will they craft it? I’m anticipating that answer more than anyone else.”

He also added, “I’m overwhelmed with a sense of good fortune. If I had one final wish in this lifetime, I would hope that this film adaptation will bring happiness to the long-time fans who have enjoyed Shingeki no Kyojin.”

Producer David Heyman conveyed the importance of what he is working on, saying, “For Mr. Isayama to entrust such a significant series to us is an incredible honor.”

Producer Masi Oka also mentioned being a fan and said, “To be associated with the fantastic work of Mr. Isayama is a great honor. I’ll ‘dedicate my heart’ towards producing a version that does not betray the expectations of Mr. Isayama and the fans.”

Andy Muschietti will start work on Attack on Titan following the release of It: Chapter Two.