The movie version of the TV anime "Me & Roboco ," based on the popular comedy manga by Shuhei Miyazaki currently being serialized in "Weekly Shonen Jump" (Shueisha), will be released on April 18th. The TV anime, which aired from December 2022 to June 2023, was a short anime of about three minutes, so there has been a lot of talk about whether it will be made into a movie version! We asked Heitaro Daichi, who is also the director of the TV anime, "Will it really be made into a movie version?"
◇ Developments unique to the movie version
"Me & Roboco" began serialization in "Weekly Shonen Jump" in July 2020. Set in the year 20XX, when every household has a beautiful maid robot, the story depicts the comical daily life of Roboco, a maid robot with unconventional behavior, and Bond, a kind-hearted boy. The comic has sold a total of about 1.5 million copies. The animation is directed by Director Daichi, known for "Ojarumaru" and "Sexy Command Gaiden: Sugoi yo!! Masaru-san," and is also known as a "master of comedy anime."
The TV anime had a great sense of speed. The gags were condensed into about 3 minutes, and before you know it, you're laughing and it's over... The speed that makes it impossible to watch at double speed was appealing. That's why I wonder, "Will it be made into a movie version?"
"I thought the same. Seriously? When I was told to include an announcement about the movie in the final episode of the TV anime, I just thought it was a joke (laughs). Then, when I heard that they were really going to do it, I thought, "What? How?" Then, when there was a screening of the entire TV anime, Miyazaki-sensei came and said, "I'm thinking of a slightly longer episode with the movie in mind," so I was grateful! I thought, "Maybe I can do it!"
The movie is an original story based on the original "Multiverse and Roboco," and features "Multiverse Roboco" from various world lines.
"Once we decided to make it a multiverse, we asked Ooba Koyuri to write the script. It was difficult. First of all, it wasn't three minutes long (laughs). I couldn't imagine what the structure would be. Three minutes would have been fine, but in a theater, you have to restrict the space and time, so it's not that easy. When we were writing the script, I listened to Ooba and the other staff members arguing all the time. I asked them what they wanted to do. Opinions came out in all sorts of directions. As we had multiple script meetings, even when I had my own ideas, I didn't push them too hard. I just threw out my ideas and we put them together."
"Me & Roboco" has many charms. It's a kind of "anything goes" kind of thing. Director Daichi tried to express the charm that is unique to the theatrical version.
"I wondered if there was something that could be done just for the movie version. It would have been fine to have something very serious, but we decided not to. In the end, we added some original elements, so I think it has a structure that is unique to the movie version. How do we create a 'Roboco feel' at the climax while preserving the world of ' Me & Roboco' as much as possible? I think that part came together well, too."
◇Is it as interesting as the "Mugen Train?
He also said, "Conte is difficult..."
"Last year, I was busy drawing storyboards for the movie. Ohba-san's script was really well done... He incorporated all the various ideas and opinions that came up in a wonderful way. It really helped me a lot. When I looked at the script, I could see exactly what parts of the original work he had used as references."
It seems that this movie version has a high level of passion that can be felt from Mr. Ohba and the rest of the staff.
"I was excited when I saw the footage. Every single staff member has poured their heart and soul into this. There were even jokes in the action scenes that I hadn't even included in the storyboards, which made me burst out laughing. It's a movie version that you can enjoy nonstop."
It seems that the tension will not change even in the movie version, and he shows confidence, saying, "That's what it ended up being. I was thinking of adding some variation in the pace, but the overall tension won't change. I don't think you'll get bored. There's some movie-like action as well."
Miyazaki, the original author, also commented, "It's said to be just as interesting as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba : Kimetsu no Yaiba the Mugen Train, so if you've gone to see Demon Slayer, you should definitely go see Roboco as well to see if that's true. I promise."
"What?! Comparing it to something... (laughs). I think it has an original appeal. There's not much good stuff going on in the world these days, so I hope people will come and laugh. They say that happiness comes to those who laugh, and I really hope people will laugh. It's silly in a good way. It can be enjoyed by both children and adults."
It seems that the movie version is full of the essence of "Me & Roboco." Please check it out for yourself and laugh out loud.
