Claymore (2007) Pulled from Streaming, Live-Action Adaptation in Development

Fans of the 2007 dark fantasy anime "Claymore" were shocked to see the series quietly removed from the U.S. streaming service Crunchyroll this week, leaving no official streaming option in the region. This move has sparked concern in the anime community, as the series has long held a dedicated cult following and remains a staple in the era of early-2000s supernatural shōnen anime. Although the series remains available for purchase on platforms like Apple TV, its removal from Crunchyroll signals a shifting landscape for classic anime distribution.

While the removal may worry longtime fans, the news comes alongside a silver lining: the original manga creator and an American studio are reportedly working on a live-action television adaptation of the series, with Masi Oka (of “Heroes” fame) attached as executive producer. The adaptation aims to bring the story of Clare, a half-human, half-demon warrior battling monstrous Yoma in a ravaged world, to new audiences via a global streaming release. Industry insiders believe the move reflects a broader trend: reviving older anime IP for fresh formats while de-prioritizing legacy streaming rights.

For viewers holding onto hope of streaming access to Claymore, the show’s disappearance may mark the beginning of its next chapter. With the adaptation underway and streaming removed for now, fans may find renewed interest pouring back into the original series, whether to binge or to revisit before the adaptation drops. As the project gains steam, updates on casting, production studio, and release window are expected in the coming months, putting one of the mid-2000s anime gems firmly back on the radar.