Back in July 2010, tokyohive mentioned rumor that Watsuki Nobuhiro’s popular manga, “Rurouni Kenshin -Meiji Kenkaku Romantan-” would get a movie adaptation, and that Sato Takeru would be playing the main character, ‘Himura Kenshin’. As it turns out, it wasn’t a rumor after all!
On June 28th, it was confirmed that a live-action movie of ‘Rurouni Kenshin’ will be released in 2012, and it will indeed star Sato Takeru. Otomo Keishi (the chief director of “Ryomaden“) will direct the movie, and the production company will be Warner Brothers.
“Rurouni Kenshin” was serialized through “Weekly Shonen Jump” during 1994 ~ 1999, and it was translated in 23 countries all over the world. It tells the story of Himura Kenshin, who was known and feared as the assassin “Hitokiri Battousai”; he starts a personal journey as a wanderer after the Meiji Restoration, pledging that he would do “no more killing“. The manga follows Kenshin as he tries to adjust to a new era, making encounters with many people and fighting his old enemies. Its highly-popular anime series was aired during 1996 ~ 1999.
Sato, who is currently practicing for a sword battle, commented, “The role of Kenshin is that of a well-known character, therefore, I think fascinating acting is needed. I would like to create the Kenshin image with the staff, while staying true to the details. I will try my best, so please look forward to it.”
The author of Rurouni Kenshin commented on Sato’s casting for the role: “When this project just started, my wife and I were talking about who would suit the role of Kenshin, and Sato Takeru-san was the one who came up on our mind first. So, when it was confirmed (that Sato will be taking the role), I was surprised, but was also very happy. I’m looking forward to see his wonderful acting.”
Other cast members for the movie will be revealed later, and the film is scheduled to hit theatres in 2012.
