We have reported almost a year ago that Takeru Satoh (Kamen Rider Den-O, Rookies, Beck, Ryōmaden) is said to play Kenshin Himura in an upcoming live-action adaptation of the popular manga/anime, Rurouni Kenshin. Just recently, it is confirmed that the upcoming film will be released next year!
Keishi Ōtomo will direct Satoh on this new film, just as he did in last year's NHK historical television series Ryōmaden. Warner Brothers Pictures Japan is producing with its president William Ireton, while Studio Swan (Paradise Kiss) is in charge of the actual film production.
The staff also aims to release the film internationally and eventually, turn it into a TV series. This will be the first live-action adaptation of the manga.
Producer Shinzō Matsuhashi commented, "Satoh has the looks and stature to be a proper Kenshin." Watsuki added that when this project was just starting, he and his wife were discussing who should play Kenshin, and decided that Satoh topped the list.
Satoh himself said that he was a huge fan of the original manga when he was in elementary school and when the manga was still running. "It was the manga that everyone in my generation knew." He added that he and his friends would play around by pretending to sword-fight. Satoh began intensive training in sword-fighting earlier this month, and filming will begin in July.
Preparations for the project started about 3 years ago, and Satoh was offered the role after his appearance in Ryomaden. Other cast members for the movie will be revealed later, and the film is scheduled to hit theatres in 2012.
UPDATE 7/6/11: The staff for the upcoming film is now conducting open auditions for volunteer extras in the film. Applicants can be of any age or gender, and must apply between now and the end of October. Shooting for the film will take place in the Kansai and Shikoku regions of Japan.
Sources: Sankei Sports, animeanime.biz, Comic Natalie, Gigazine via Anime News Network
So... chances that he might return for a Den-O 5th Anniversary movie might be slim then. Aw.
Keishi Ōtomo will direct Satoh on this new film, just as he did in last year's NHK historical television series Ryōmaden. Warner Brothers Pictures Japan is producing with its president William Ireton, while Studio Swan (Paradise Kiss) is in charge of the actual film production. The staff also aims to release the film internationally and eventually, turn it into a TV series. This will be the first live-action adaptation of the manga.
Producer Shinzō Matsuhashi commented, "Satoh has the looks and stature to be a proper Kenshin." Watsuki added that when this project was just starting, he and his wife were discussing who should play Kenshin, and decided that Satoh topped the list.
Satoh himself said that he was a huge fan of the original manga when he was in elementary school and when the manga was still running. "It was the manga that everyone in my generation knew." He added that he and his friends would play around by pretending to sword-fight. Satoh began intensive training in sword-fighting earlier this month, and filming will begin in July.
Preparations for the project started about 3 years ago, and Satoh was offered the role after his appearance in Ryomaden. Other cast members for the movie will be revealed later, and the film is scheduled to hit theatres in 2012.
UPDATE 7/6/11: The staff for the upcoming film is now conducting open auditions for volunteer extras in the film. Applicants can be of any age or gender, and must apply between now and the end of October. Shooting for the film will take place in the Kansai and Shikoku regions of Japan.
Sources: Sankei Sports, animeanime.biz, Comic Natalie, Gigazine via Anime News Network
So... chances that he might return for a Den-O 5th Anniversary movie might be slim then. Aw.