It has been announced that the comedy duo EXIT will be appearing as guest voice actors in the latest film adaptation of the popular anime series Anpanman, titled Anpanman: Pantan and the Promised Star (directed by Yano Hiroyuki, set to be released on June 26th). This will be the first time that EXIT will be appearing as voice actors in an animated film, with Rintaro playing the cloud monster Amagumora and Kanechika Daiki playing Cutie Bird Robo, the mecha invented by Baikinman to defeat Anpanman.
When asked how they felt when they were chosen to appear as guest voice actors, Rintaro commented excitedly, "When I heard about this, I yelled out loud. I was so happy. I'm happy that we'll be a duo. We both love children." Kanechika also said, "It's been a while since we've been this happy as a duo. It was like we were in the finals of the M-1. We both said, 'Hey!' We were that surprised. We've never been to the M-1 (laughs)."
Amagumora, played by Rintaro, is a formidable enemy who attacks Pantan, Anpanman and his friends. In preparation for the recording, he commented, "When it's raining or there's a sudden downpour, I like to go outside and talk to the rain clouds, and try to understand what they're thinking (laughs)."
Kanechika plays Cutie Bird Robot, a robot invented by Baikinman to defeat Anpanman, but due to Kokin-chan's mischief it becomes a unique robot. Before the recording, he said, "Look, I was also transformed into a playboy by Baikinman's prank (laughs), but since I'm a robot, I basically had to talk to the AI until the day the movie was released to create that kind of feeling, and always be in the robot's mindset... (laughs)."
Rintaro sent a message to fans saying, "I'm really happy to be involved in this way with Anpanman, who has always helped me and entertained me. I hope I can improve him so much that he becomes "Agepanman"!", while Kanechika said, "I've been given a wonderful role this time, so I'd like to put in my best effort to "finish it off". Please!"
A trailer was also released, showcasing footage from the film. In order to keep an important promise he made to an adventurer long ago, the red panda Pantin sets out on a journey to find treasure on a rainbow-starred night, but during his journey he is sprayed with Baikinman's baby spray and turns into a child. Encouraged by Uncle Jam, who says, "I think the important thing is to have the desire to keep your promises," Pantin renews his resolve and sets off on a great adventure.
A poster visual was also released, featuring Anpanman and Pantan, along with their familiar friends Cream Panda, Baikinman, Currypanman, and Shokupanman.
In the latest film, the red panda Pantin embarks on a great adventure in search of a treasure said to be hidden in a rainbow star shining in the night sky, in order to keep an important promise he made to an adventurer long ago. He joins forces with his friends, Anpanman and Cream Panda, whom he meets on his journey to find the treasure, to overcome the challenges that befall him one after another. Actress Tao Tsuchiya will be the voice actor for Pantin.
"Soreike! Anpanman" is based on the popular picture book by Takashi Yanase. The TV anime series began in 1988, and the first movie was released the following year in March 1989.
