Actor Abe Hiroshi appeared at a completion report event for the movie "Showtime Seven" (directed by Watanabe Kazutaka, scheduled for release on February 7, 2025) held in Tokyo on November 11th. The movie is a suspense entertainment film that depicts a life-threatening live broadcast (showtime) that begins with a phone call from a bomber, progressing in real time. Abe plays the protagonist, Orimoto Shinnosuke, a former popular news anchor who negotiates with the bomber during an emergency live broadcast of the national news program "Showtime 7". Abe said about his first role as an anchor, "I've avoided roles as an announcer or anchor until now."
Abe said about the role of anchor, "I think it will be difficult after all, and when I actually appeared on a program for a promotion, I have nothing but respect for (anchors). I thought I would never be able to do it myself, but I've already played a variety of roles at this age, so I thought it was about time I took on this hurdle."
Co-stars Ryusei Ryo, Ikumi Meru, Igawa Haruka, and Yoshida Kotaro also appeared at the event.
The film is based on the Korean hit "Terror Live" (directed by Kim Byung-woo) starring Ha Jung-woo, and incorporates original developments to create a suspense entertainment film that depicts a life-risking live broadcast (Showtime) in real time, which begins with a phone call from a bomber. Former newscaster Orimoto (Abe) was forced to leave the national news program "Showtime 7," which airs from 7pm, and lived his days like an empty shell, but was appointed negotiator by the perpetrator of the terrorist bombing. In an attempt to salvage his career, he begins an emergency live broadcast connecting with the perpetrator... It is then revealed that a bomb has been planted in the studio, and the characters are forced into an extreme situation where every word they say will determine life or death.
