I just started watching Yu Yu Hakusho. I am literally on episode six. It is my next long-running anime (over 100 episodes) that I have decided to watch, and I just saw that it is getting a live action adaptation.
I started watching the anime yesterday and found out about the live action today. This means I am binge-watching the anime so I can watch the live-action when it airs.
Who is in charge of making the new adaptation?
Kazutaka Sakamoto is the executive producer and the content acquisition director of Netflix Japan. He is a big fan of the original manga series and has been involved in producing several well-received live-action series, such as Alice in Borderland and Ride or Die.
Akira Morii is the producer at Robot Communications, a Japanese production studio that has worked on films such as Kill Bill: Vol. 1, Assassination Classroom, and Brave Hearts: Umizaru. He has also produced the live-action series Alice in Borderland with Sakamoto.
Sho Tsukikawa is the director of the series. He is known for directing films based on popular manga and novels, such as Let Me Eat Your Pancreas, My Little Monster, Sensei Kunshu, and The 100th Love with You. He graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts and has won awards for his short films.
Tatsuro Mishima is the screenwriter for the series. He is a young and talented writer who has written scripts for films such as The Witness and Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, as well as drama series such as About Sam and Please Love Me.
What is Yu Yu Hakusho about?
The live-action series will be based on the original manga, but may also incorporate elements from the anime adaptation. Yu Yu Hakusho tells the story of Yusuke Urameshi, a teenage delinquent who dies after saving a child from a car accident. He is given a second chance at life by becoming a spirit detective, an investigator of supernatural phenomena. Along with his friends and allies, he battles various demons and evil forces that threaten the balance of the human and spirit worlds.
GENRE LIST: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen
When is it going to air?
Netflix’s live action Yu Yu Hakusho series has reportedly been in production since July 2021 and will premiere worldwide on December 14, 2023.
The cast and character visuals
- Yusuke Urameshi: Takumi Kitamura
- Kurama: Jun Shison
- Hiei: Kanata Hongo
- Kazuma Kuwabara: Shuhei Uesugi
Takumi Kitamura is an actor, singer, and model. He is the leader of the pop-rock band Dish, which is part of Stardust Promotion’s music collective, Ebidan. He has appeared in several films and dramas, such as Let Me Eat Your Pancreas, Tokyo Revengers, and The Good Wife. He plays Yusuke Urameshi, the main protagonist, who becomes a spirit detective after his death and resurrection.
Jun Shison is an actor and member of the male actors group D-BOYS & D2 affiliated with Watanabe Entertainment. He made his acting debut in the stage musical The Prince of Tennis in 2011. He has starred in various films and dramas, such as Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, Kiss That Kills, and Kaijuu Club. He plays Kurama, a fox demon who joins Yusuke’s team after being blackmailed by the spirit world.
Kanata Hongo is an actor, voice actor and model. He is part of Stardust Promotion and has appeared several times in music videos, movies, TV series, and magazines. His major breakthrough role was as Ryoma Echizen in the live-action film adaptation of The Prince of Tennis and he became even more widely known when he was cast as Shin in Nana 2. He has also been involved in anime voice acting, as Ryota Sakamoto in Btooom!. He plays Hiei, a fire demon who also joins Yusuke’s team after being blackmailed by the spirit world.
Shuhei Uesugi made his acting debut in 2015 television drama Hotel Concierge. He has appeared in several films and dramas, such as Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon, Sachiiro no One Room, and Followers. He plays Kazuma Kuwabara, Yusuke’s rival and friend, who has a strong sense of justice and spiritual awareness
Promotional video:
The live-action series has generated a lot of excitement and curiosity among fans of Yu Yu Hakusho, who are eager to see how the cast and crew will bring the beloved characters and story to life. The live action will not be suitable for viewers under the age of 16.
Are you looking forward to the live-action?
Discover more from All About Anime and Manga
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
I forgot we’re getting a live action YuYu Hakusho series. I just hope it’s good as One Piece. I am keeping my expectations low, but I might give this series a shot.
I’m kind of conflicted about this series. On the one hand, I really liked the original anime and manga and I’m excited about more interest coming to the series. On the other hand, live action Cowboy Bebop wasn’t exactly stellar. Just because a series is based off of a great anime doesn’t mean it’s going to be a good adaptation.