Shibasaki Kou, Kamiki Ryunosuke to star in ‘xxxHOLiC’ live-action movie

© 2022 Shochiku

©2003 CLAMP / Kodansha

The classic manga xxxHOLiC by CLAMP will be adapted into a live-action movie to be directed by visionary filmmaker Ninagawa Mika. Starring Shibasaki Kou and Kamiki Ryunosuke, xxxHOLiC will revolve around the life of the student Watanuki Kimihiro (Kamiki) who can see vengeful spirits. His supernatural ability makes the normal life he so wishes to have far from his reach. With the help of a mysterious butterfly, he arrives at a bizarre shop owned by Ichihara Yuko (Shibasaki). The lady promises to grant him a wish, but there's a price to pay.

Director Ninagawa has been dreaming to adapt xxxHOLiC into a live-action movie for 10 years now, and it's finally been achieved. She believes that the situations in the xxxHOLiC universe can also be applied to what's happening during this time of pandemic. In this world, everyone is connected and shares something with someone, and the future lies ahead of every decision that people make.

Actress Shibasaki Kou trusts Director Ninagawa's penchant for colorful visuals that these will suit the scenes in xxxHOLiC. The casting of Kamiki Ryunosuke is also agreeable to her because she is already able to visualize him portraying Watanuki Kimihiro as she was reading the manga. The 40-year old actress believes it is a movie that she can watch with friends while having a chat about the costumes, designs, and hair and makeup. Shibasaki encourages even fashion lovers to see the movie.

Shibasaki Kou as Ichihara Yuko

It is surreal for Kamiki Ryunosuke to appear in the live-action movie of xxxHOLiC. But Director Ninagawa was kind to welcome him into her visually motivated project. He is also delighted to work again with Shibasaki Kou after 15 years, back when he was still in elementary school.

Kamiki Ryunosuke as Watanuki Kimihiro

Due to its popularity, the manga has been adapted into different types of content such as anime, a stage play, and a 2013 live-action series produced by WOWOW. Popular actors Sometani Shota and Watanabe Anne portrayed Watanuki Kimihiro and Ichihara Yuko respectively in the 8-episode live-action series.

The xxxHOLiC live-action movie will premiere in theaters in Japan on April 29, 2022.

Source: Natalie.mu