Tatsuya Fujiwara, known for his roles in popular movies like Death Note and Battle Royale, has been cast as Lucifer in the upcoming live-action film adaptation of the manga Saint Young Men. The film, titled Saint Oniisan The Movie ~Holy Men vs Akuma Gundan~ (Holy Men vs Demon Army), is based on Hikaru Nakamura’s manga that humorously portrays Buddha and Jesus sharing an apartment in Tokyo.
Fujiwara’s role as Lucifer, Michael’s older brother and the fallen angel, marks his latest collaboration with fellow actor Kenichi Matsuyama, who plays Jesus in the film. This project also represents Fujiwara’s first work with director Yūichi Fukuda. A making-of video featuring Fujiwara as Lucifer has been released by the film’s staff, offering a glimpse into his portrayal of the character.
The returning cast includes Matsuyama as Jesus and Shōta Sometani as Buddha, with Fukuda directing and writing the script based on an extended story created by Nakamura specifically for the film. Additional cast members include Ryo Katsuji as Taishakuten, Jirō Satō as a battle hermit, Mai Shiraishi as Benzaiten, and more, each embodying unique characters from the manga’s world.
TOHO is set to release the film on December 20, with the staff announcing new information about the movie on the 23rd of each month leading up to the premiere. The success of the manga, which began serialization in 2006 and has garnered critical acclaim, has paved the way for this live-action adaptation that promises to bring its beloved characters to life on the big screen.
The manga’s unique premise and comedic elements have resonated with audiences, leading to multiple seasons of live-action adaptations and an anime film. Kodansha USA Publishing has also made the manga available digitally in English, expanding its reach to a global audience. With the combination of talented actors, experienced director, and a dedicated fan base, the live-action adaptation of Saint Young Men is poised to be a must-watch for fans of the manga and newcomers alike.
