It has been revealed that actor Abe Hiroshi will star in the film "Showtime Seven" (directed by Watanabe Kazutaka), which will be released on February 7, 2025. Abe, who will celebrate his 40th year in the industry in 2025, will play the protagonist, Orimoto Shinnosuke, a former popular newscaster who was forced to leave a national news program, but is appointed as a negotiator by the perpetrator of a terrorist bombing and tries to make a comeback in his career.
Based on the Korean hit "Terror Live" (directed by Kim Byung-woo) starring Ha Jung-woo, the film is packed with original developments. Orimoto (Abe) is a former newscaster who was forced to leave the national news program "Showtime 7," which airs from 7 p.m. He had been living his days like an empty shell, but was appointed as a negotiator by the perpetrator of a terrorist bombing and begins an exclusive live broadcast in an attempt to make a comeback in his career. However, it is revealed that a bomb has been planted in the studio, and he is forced into an extreme situation where every statement he makes will determine his life or death. Unexpected developments and endings await, including the identity and demands of the criminal and the reason why Orimoto was selected.
Regarding her first role as a newscaster, Abe commented, "This is my first time playing the role of a newscaster, and it was a very delicate and difficult role, but I am truly grateful for the director's guidance and support." When asked why she accepted the role, she said, "When I read the script, I thought it was a work that would invite me into a new realm, so I accepted the role."
Director Watanabe, who has worked on films such as "Rohan Kishibe Goes to the Louvre" and the NHK Taiga drama "Naotora: The Lady Warlord," is teaming up with Abe for the first time. "I could only imagine that Abe could convincingly portray the character of Orimoto, whose actions are complex and who sometimes make decisions that are difficult to understand. Filming with Abe, who continues to tackle the role with a single-minded and greedy attitude, was very stimulating."
