It has been revealed that actors Kenichi Matsuyama will play Jesus and Shota Sometani will play Buddha in the live-action adaptation of the popular manga, "Saint Young Men The Movie: Holy Men vs. the Devil Army" (directed by Fukuda Yuichi, to be released on December 20th), with Ryusei Nakao, Megumi Ogata, and Ryotaro Okiayu as voice actors. Nakao and the others will be in charge of "unexpected voices," with Nakao playing the black monster, Ogata playing Futon, and Okiayu playing the additional warrior Red.
Nakao, who plays the black monster, commented, "I haven't worked with Director Fukuda since 'Yusha Yoshihiko,' so I was happy that he remembered me and I immediately accepted the role. Since then I've been a big fan of his and always look forward to his work. I hope you'll look forward to this film, which is full of Fukuda's world once again..."
Ogata, who plays Futon, said, "I'm Ogata Megumi, and I voiced the Futon Tsukumogami. I was asked to do this role because I had the opportunity to voice the main character, Billy, in the Japanese dub of the film 'Shazam!', for which Director Fukuda served as sound director. I was so happy that I immediately agreed, but of course it's very different from a foreign film. I was a bit nervous, wondering if it was okay to be directed in a way that told me to 'go for it.' But when I saw it at the preview, I was surprised! It suited me perfectly! It wasn't the natural acting of a foreign film, but full on anime acting, but rather it blended in and was natural! I was reminded of the power of Fukuda magic and all the actors who worked with Fukuda... (laughs). It's an incredible work in many ways. Be sure to check it out for your first laugh of the New Year."
Okiayu, who plays the additional warrior Red, said, "I remember that I previously voiced my own character in the drama "Aoi Honoo". I'm honored that the director and staff remembered me. I wanted to take a photo with them too (laughs). There's no reason to turn down an offer. I'll do anything! I'm happy to be involved in such a popular work. I'm sure it's a scene that makes you feel like, 'Did I just pass by?!' (laughs). Please enjoy it at the theater."
The original is a manga by Nakamura Hikaru that is currently being serialized in the manga magazine "Morning Two" (Kodansha). The long episode that Nakamura drew for the movie, "The Long Road to the Screen," will be made into a live-action film. Fukuda, who has worked on the "Gintama" series and "From Today, It's My Turn!! The Movie," will be the screenwriter and director. Having safely survived the end of the century, Jesus Christ and Buddha are sharing a room in a 6-tatami room apartment without a bath in Tachikawa, Tokyo, to take a vacation in the mortal world. One day, an envoy from heaven appears before the two and makes them a forbidden offer. Before long, gods, Buddhas, angels, and demons become intertwined, leading to the unexpected threat of the destruction of the Earth.