Two upcoming sequels to the live-action film adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin are set to premiere in Japan this year, just within a month from each other and two years after the first movie’s release.
Rurouni Kenshin: The Great Kyoto Fire, the first sequel to be screened which will cover the Kyoto Arc of the original manga and anime series, will hit Japanese theaters on August 1, while Rurouni Kenshin: The End of a Legend will premiere on September 13.
Japanese actor Takeru Satou will reprise his role as the lead character Kenshin Himura where he will be joined by new cast members portraying the Juppongatana, an elite group of swordsmen rebelling against the Meiji government.
Among them is Tatsuya Fujiwara (Light Yagami of Death Note live-action films) as Shishio Makoto, the leader of Juppongatana and the main antagonist of the Kyoto Arc; Filipina-Japanese model Maryjun Takahashi as Yumi Komagata; and Kamiki Ryunosuke as Seta Soujiro.
Local movie distributor Pioneer Films has yet to come out with a statement—and could not be reached for comment—on whether they are planning to distribute the upcoming sequels here in the Philippines.
The first movie adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin premiered in Japan on August 25, 2012. The original anime series (known locally as Samurai X) was so popular among Filipino anime fans that they clamored to have the film be released in the country.
Pioneer Films eventually picked up the distribution rights and SM Cinemas screened the film for three weeks starting on December 5.
Additional Resources from Anime News Network, ABS-CBNnews.com
