The film version of the TV anime "Zombie Land Saga," a zombie x Saga x idol x comedy-themed TV series, "Zombie Land Saga Yumeginga Paradise" (directed by Konosuke Uda), will be released on October 24th. Set in Saga, the original anime follows the adventures of Franchouchou, an idol group made up of girls who have become zombies. The first season aired from October to December 2018, and the second season aired from April to June 2021. It was announced that the series would be adapted into a film in October 2021, but after nearly four years, it has finally been released. The film version will feature a shocking plot in which aliens attack Saga and Franchouchou must fight back. We spoke to Kaede Hondo, who plays Sakura Minamoto, and Risa Taneda, who plays Ai Mizuno, about the shocking film version.
◇It's actually a very complicated piece
--It's been about four years since the film adaptation was announced in October 2021. When it was announced four years ago, live-action footage reminiscent of a yakuza movie was shown, but it will now be released as an anime.
I'm glad that Taneda-san is making it properly! For the past four years, I've been saying "I don't know" every time I've been asked, "What will happen to the movie?", so I'm relieved.
Hondo: It wasn't a live-action yakuza movie, it was a Franchouchou movie! The footage at the time of the announcement was so well-made that it wouldn't have been out of place in a live-action version, so I was happy to be able to continue in the role.
If it had been a live-action yakuza movie, Taneda might have turned down the role depending on the role (laughs).
--In the final episode of the second season of the TV anime "Zombie Land Saga Revenge," I was surprised when a spaceship invaded at the end.
Hondo-san, when I received the script for the final episode of the second season, it said at the end, "A spaceship attacks Saga," and I wondered if it was a printing error? Or if a script from another anime had gotten mixed in? (laughs). My mind has been trained to a certain extent, so I'm no longer surprised by things, but I still found myself crossing my arms and wondering what this meant. When I saw the footage, it ended with Saga, which had been so kind to me, in ruins, and it gave me hope that there was no choice but to continue! I wondered how it would be expanded upon when it was made into a movie, and it was clearly connected.
It wouldn't have been strange if the movie had started without Taneda being involved (laughs).
-What were your impressions when you read the script for the movie?
I was honestly happy to hear that Taneda-san had a new song. Seeing a live performance at a theater was a first for me, so I was looking forward to it even before I saw the finished product.
Hondo-san, this is going to be something amazing... I thought. Are you kidding me? Really?! Could it be that this flow... No, no, aaaah... Every development was interesting and meaningful, and I felt both happy and lonely. It's a very complex work; I didn't know whether to be happy, and I found myself unable to stop crying. At first glance, it's easy to get into and laugh at, but it's not simple at all.
It took me a long time to understand Taneda-san . When I was reading the script, there were no pictures, so there were many parts where my imagination couldn't keep up, and I recorded while checking the situation.
Hondo: When aliens come, they have to be driven out, and they have to fight. How do they fight? I think when you watch the movie, you'll think, "Zombies are amazing!"
Taneda-san has a fighting style that is unique to zombies.
Hondo will also be appearing in a costume similar to the hero costume seen in the opening of the first season.
Taneda-san, that was a foreshadowing!
Hondo: The damage in Saga is greater than I imagined. I also felt the generosity of Saga. There are even places in Saga that were not destroyed (laughs).
◇Tae's awakening tightens the atmosphere
--Yamada Tae's awakening is also a hot topic.
Taneda: Before filming for the anime, we had a song recording session, and I heard that "Tae will regain her sense of self." Tae's past was depicted in the manga, but I was honestly looking forward to seeing Tae's exploits in the anime with Mitsuishi (Kotono)'s voice. It's finally happening!
Hondo: Tae, who has regained her sense of self, has a very different atmosphere from when she was a zombie, and since Sakura had a similar experience in the TV anime, there was a nostalgic feeling to it. What will happen to Tae? I hope you will definitely see the movie. Since the story revolves around Tae, there will be new discoveries. New connections and relationships will also come to light.
Taneda-san has really dug deep into the subject.
Hondo: This is a slightly different development from before.
-What is your impression of Tae, played by Mitsuishi Kotono?
Hondo 's acting as Tae was powerful and undeniable. The other members of Franchouchou were surprised, but as Tae she was consistent and cool. There were times when Tae seemed to take charge, and there was a chemical reaction that naturally changed Sakura's acting, which was very inspiring.
Taneda-san, Tae is very calm. Whenever trouble occurs, the members of Franchouchou get upset and don't explain the situation at all, but after Tae awakens, she starts to calmly explain things. It feels like the atmosphere has become more tense.
◇Going to Saga makes you feel kind
--There have been many surprising developments so far, but what surprised you about the movie?
I thought the scene where Hondo Sakura makes the most of being a zombie was amazing! I wonder what the staff of "Zombie Land Saga" are really like (laughs). I mean it as a sign of respect, but they're people I don't understand.
What happens when Taneda-san's identity as a zombie is revealed? This is depicted more than ever before. Can a zombie idol save Saga? The focus is firmly on this question, and there is a clear message to be conveyed, so it doesn't end with just chaos. The story is exciting, and I was surprised and impressed by it.
--There is hope among fans that "Zombie Land Saga" isn't over yet. What would you like to try in the future?
I would love to go to Saga with all of Franchouchou, including Hondo-san and Mitsuishi-san, and Miyano-san (Mamoru-san). We've never all been together before.
Mr. Taneda, I'd like to go to Saga with everyone.
Hondo : Saga is just a great place. I've been there over 10 times, and I think I've been there more than I did my parents' house (laughs). Every time I go, people say to me, "You're the voice actor for Zombie Land Saga, right?" It makes me really happy, and it really makes me realize that it's a place that's popular with people of all ages and genders. I love the cooperation and kindness and warmth of the people of Saga who have accepted me. I feel a warmth every time I go.
Taneda: The food is delicious, and it's a really great place. We learned a lot about the charms of Saga through the series. You can enjoy sightseeing while making a pilgrimage, so I definitely recommend you go.
