It has been revealed that a new drama, "Replica: Revenge of the Ex-Wife," will be broadcast on TV Tokyo's "Drama Premiere 23" slot (Mondays at 11:06 p.m.) from July 7. The heroine's pre-surgery appearance with special makeup was revealed in advance, causing a stir, and it was revealed that she is actually Reina Triendl.
The story is based on the manga of the same name (Zenon Comics/Core Mix) written by Tanaka Tomo and illustrated by Hirai Hacchi. The protagonist, Fujimura Aoi (Trindle), who was plain and quiet since childhood, was bullied by her classmate Karin. As an adult, she finally meets the ideal man, Kippei, who loves her, and marries him. However, her husband cheats on her with another woman, forcing her into a divorce. What's more, the woman he cheats with is Karin, who has bullied Aoi since childhood. Karin's schemes also take away not only her husband, but also her job and friends. Determined to get revenge, Aoi undergoes plastic surgery to change her face, body, and even corrects her dominant hand, and disguises herself as a different person called "Ito Sumire" in order to get closer to Karin and Kippei...
When photos of Aoi before her plastic surgery were made public, comments like, "Who?!" and "I kind of know it from her aura!" were flying around on social media, along with the names of various actors, and Trindl was also mentioned as a "promising candidate."
The directors are Keita Motohashi, Hajime Senoo, and Kazunori Yamashita, who have worked on "After all, it's someone else's business - The true work of a certain lawyer" (TV Tokyo). The screenplay is by Yasuhiro Yoshida, Erika Toyama, and Miho Aotsuka, who worked on the movie "Family Colors: Our Departure" and the drama "Double Cheat: False Policeman Season 1" (TV Tokyo/WOWOW). The much talked about special effects makeup was done by Amazing JIRO, who has worked on "Gannibal" and "Asakusa Kid."
◇Comment from Reina Triendl
--Please tell us your thoughts after reading the script.
I read the original novel and the script at the same time, and the story unfolded so quickly that unexpected events occurred one after another as I turned the page, so I was engrossed in the reading. When I thought about being able to play the role, I couldn't contain my excitement! I felt that the script was packed with the charm of the original novel.
--Please tell us about the role you will be playing and what you keep in mind when preparing for the role.
She is a woman who lives with two faces, Fujimura Aoi before plastic surgery and Ito Sumire after plastic surgery, but who is one person, and yet seems like two different people. Not only does her appearance change, but various emotions are depicted, such as her feelings for her ex-husband and the pain of facing her past self, and I feel that it is difficult and rewarding to play one role, as if she is living "several personalities" at the same time. I am very happy to be able to play two roles, with the help of special makeup, wigs, and costumes to create a visual appearance, and it is also my first challenge, so I am having fun exploring and acting every day.
-What is it like on set?
We have a friendly atmosphere, but there are also some tense moments, and everyone is working on the project in a calm atmosphere. I'm very grateful for the environment where I can deepen my role while discussing with the director and staff, and I'm creating the characters of "Sumire" and "Aoi" while consulting in detail with the special makeup and costume teams.
- Please give a message to the viewers who are looking forward to this work.
I think it's a well-paced drama, and I'm sure you'll be refreshed. Please watch until the end to see what happens to each character. I will do my best every day of filming with all my heart and soul so that you can look forward to every Monday. First of all, I would be happy if you could see me in front of the TV on the night of Tanabata.
◇Comment from Tomo Tanaka, the original author
I am truly grateful that the manga "Replica: Ex-Wife's Revenge" is being adapted into a TV drama, breathing new life into the story. As a viewer, I look forward to seeing how the cast members have interpreted their roles and how the story will be told as a film.
Whether you've read the original novel or are encountering this story for the first time, I hope you'll enjoy the thrills from your own perspective. Please enjoy this thrilling tale of revenge, woven together by the cast.
◇Comment from illustrator Hirai Hacchi
When I heard that "Replica: Ex-Wife's Revenge" was being made into a TV drama, I was very happy and filled with a sense of wonder, wondering how the characters in the story would be portrayed. Even though I am the one who draws the story, I am still moved by emotions with every episode, and I still can't take my eyes off the world of Sumire and Karin. I continue to struggle to draw Sumire's revenge-seeking expression and Karin's angry expression, but I am really looking forward to seeing what kind of people Sumire and Karin, the living, breathing characters in the world of the drama, will be, what kind of voices and expressions they will have, and how each person will act and how the story will end.
◆Junpei Nakagawa (TV Tokyo, Drama Production Department) There's a boom in "adultery revenge" stories. Some people may already have had enough of them. Still, the forbidden desire for "revenge" is something everyone can sympathize with to a greater or lesser extent, and the cathartic moment when it is fulfilled is what draws people in.
The first point of revenge in this story is "woman vs. woman." The fight between women, who are not only ex-husbands but also lifelong sworn enemies, is even more merciless and violent than that between a man and a woman. Another point is "impersonation." I'm sure there are many people who have dreamed of living a life as a completely different person, changing not only their appearance such as face, body and clothes, but also their mannerisms and demeanor. At the same time, "impersonation" creates intense suspense as to when their true identities will be revealed.
The original work is a hugely popular comic. We hope to pack the drama with all of the addictive quality that makes you want to know what happens next. The lead role will be played by Triendl Reina. Although she has an image of being innocent and cute, this time she will be taking on a role that is the complete opposite of her image, a dangerous woman who chooses a harsh life of revenge and schemes to ensnare her opponents. We will be able to show off a side of the "dark Triendl" that we have never seen before.
In the story, there are characters who are obsessed with the beauty or ugliness of their appearance, but this work does not affirm this, but rather gives them an opportunity to think about it. I hope you will watch the drama until the end and feel the message of this work. The new drama "Replica: Revenge of the Ex-Wife" starts on the night of Tanabata. Please look forward to it.
