News
Honey & Clover's Sakurai to Star in Miike's Yatterman
posted on by Egan Loo
The producers of Takashi Miike's live-action adaptation of the Yatterman television series have announced on November 25 that Shō Sakurai of the male idol group Arashi will star as Yatterman No. 1, Gan Takada, in the film. Sakurai played Yuuta in the live-action adaptation of Honey and Clover romantic drama manga, which Viz Pictures will premiere this weekend in Seattle and New York City. Takashi Miike has earned an international cult following for his violent films, such as Ichi the Killer and his current film, Crows Zero. The Yatterman live-action film is scheduled to open in Spring of 2009.
Yatterman is a science-fiction comedy series that Tatsunoko Production (Mach Go Go Go/Speed Racer, Science Ninja Team Gatchaman/Battle of the Planets) created the 1970s and generations of Japanese fans remember fondly. Sakurai said during the November 25 announcement that he is excited that he can enter "the world of these characters, these [theme] songs, and these famous catch-phrases that have colored my childhood memories." The producers plan to decide on the casting of the heroine (Ai-chan or Yatterman No. 2) in the middle of December and the villains Doronjo, Boyakkii, and Tonzuraa in the middle of next January. A remake of the original television series will begin airing on January 14.
Thank you to enjin2000 for the news tip.
Source: Sankei Sports
