The upcoming live-action adaptation of the popular manga “Cells at Work!”—which anthropomorphizes human cells and gained widespread acclaim for its unique concept—is set to hit theaters on December 13. The latest cast announcement reveals that Shota Sometani, Kyoko Fukada, Rihito Itagaki, Ryo Kato, Seishiro Kato, Ainosuke Kataoka, Shinya Niiro, Maju Ozawa, and Fukase (from SEKAI NO OWARI) will be featured in the film. Alongside this announcement, a visual featuring all 17 characters portrayed by the cast has been unveiled.

The movie, set in the human body, depicts the smallest but most epic battles on a scale never before seen in Japanese cinema. Based on the original manga by Akane Shimizu and the spinoff “Cells at Work! BLACK” by Shigemitsu Harada and Issei Hatsuyoshiya, the film explores the lives of cells within two different human bodies—a parent and child—while also telling the story of their human world. Directed by Hideki Takeuchi, known for “Fly Me to the Saitama” and “Thermae Romae”, the movie's action scenes are choreographed by Takahito Ouchi, who worked on “Rurouni Kenshin” and “Yu Yu Hakusho”.

The first wave of cast announcements included Mei Nagano as the Red Blood Cell, responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, and Takeru Satoh as the White Blood Cell (Neutrophil), who battles bacteria and viruses.

The second wave introduced Mana Ashida as Niko Urushizaki, a healthy high school girl, and Sadao Abe as her father, Shigeru Urushizaki, who leads an unhealthy lifestyle.

In the third wave, Koji Yamamoto was announced as Killer T Cell, Riisa Naka as NK Cell, Wakana Matsumoto as Macrophage, and Maika Yamamoto as Platelet.

Now, in this fourth wave, the following roles have been revealed:

Shota Sometani will play Helper T Cell, a commander who strategizes attacks against foreign invaders like bacteria.
Kyoko Fukada will portray Hepatocyte, a cell responsible for metabolism and detoxification, making up 70-80% of the liver.
Rihito Itagaki will appear as a rookie Red Blood Cell, working tirelessly to deliver oxygen to various organs in Shigeru Urushizaki's unhealthy body.
Ryo Kato will play a senior Red Blood Cell guiding the rookie, a role he takes on after his appearance in “Fly Me to the Saitama”.
In the human world, Seishiro Kato will play Shin Takeda, a senior that Niko Urushizaki (Mana Ashida) admires.

The movie also features the "fearsome" bacteria threatening human health, with Ainosuke Kataoka as Pneumococcus, a highly toxic bacterium causing pneumonia, and Shinya Niiro as Streptococcus, a common bacterium that can cause a variety of diseases.

Maju Ozawa will portray Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that lives on the skin and in pores, often causing skin infections, food poisoning, and more.

Finally, Fukase from SEKAI NO OWARI takes on the role of the cells’ ultimate enemy, a character shrouded in mystery, marking his second movie appearance following his shocking debut as a serial killer in “Character.” Fukase shared that his role was challenging due to the character's complex nature, embodying both love and hate.

Shota Sometani (as Helper T Cell) Comment:

“When I first heard rumors about 'Cells at Work!' being adapted into a live-action film, I never imagined I’d be part of it! I’m thrilled to play the cool Helper T Cell, commanding Killer T Cells into battle. I hope everyone enjoys this epic story of tiny heroes inside the vast universe of the human body on the big screen!”

Kyoko Fukada (as Hepatocyte) Comment:

“I never imagined the liver was such a fascinating world... My character may appear glamorous, but she plays a vital role in modern society. I had a great time filming with director Takeuchi and the cast in a friendly atmosphere inside Shigeru’s liver. This film is both entertaining and educational, offering a new perspective on our bodies.”

Rihito Itagaki (as Rookie Red Blood Cell) Comment:

“I’m so excited to be part of this world. My character, a rookie Red Blood Cell, faces many hardships in the harsh environment depicted in 'Cells at Work! BLACK.' The filming was intense, and I’m sure that exhaustion shows on the screen (laughs). This film will make you laugh, cry, learn, and appreciate your body even more.”

Ryo Kato (as Senior Red Blood Cell) Comment:

“I’ve played non-human characters before, but this is my first time as a Red Blood Cell! It’s an honor to be part of Sadao Abe’s body and to guide the rookie through the adventures inside the body. This film is a reminder to take care of our health, and I hope people around the world watch it.”

Seishiro Kato (as Shin Takeda) Comment:

“When I got the call, I was thrilled! The story unfolds on two axes: the human world and the cells’ world, with my character being someone Niko admires. It’s a huge responsibility, and I’m honored to be part of it. I can’t wait to see the film in theaters!”

Ainosuke Kataoka (as Pneumococcus) Comment:

“When I was asked to play a toxic bacterium, I was surprised but excited. The special makeup and costumes helped me dive into the role, and it was an enjoyable experience. This film is for everyone, so don’t miss it in theaters!”

Shinya Niiro (as Streptococcus) Comment:

“I never expected to be cast as Streptococcus! The meticulous costume fittings and makeup tests were exciting, and the finished film exceeded my expectations. It’s a high-quality production with a great story, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

Maju Ozawa (as Staphylococcus aureus) Comment:

“I watched the original anime with my kids, so I was surprised to get the offer to play Staphylococcus aureus. The costumes and makeup were fantastic, and it was a fun but physically demanding role. This film will make you laugh, cry, and learn, so don’t miss it!”

Fukase (SEKAI NO OWARI) (as ????):

“My character embodies both love and hate, making it a challenging role. I don’t have much acting experience, so I relied on the support of the cast and crew. This film is fun and educational for all ages, so I hope families watch it together!”

Source : ORICON NEWS