[Tokusatsu] Mamoru Miyano Joins Live-Action Wingman Drama: Cast Visuals & Scene Photos Unveiled for October Premiere
Additional cast members for TV Tokyo’s Drama Tuesday show Wingman, starring Maito Fujioka and premiering on October 22 (every Tuesday at 12:30 AM), have been announced. Mamoru Miyano will play the role of Mr. Kitakura, a handsome new teacher at Kenta's high school, portrayed by Fujioka. The cast visuals and scene photos have also been released.
The live-action adaptation is based on the manga Wingman by Masakazu Katsura, known for works like Video Girl Ai and I"s. The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1983 to 1985 and is considered one of Katsura’s signature works. Kenta, played by Fujioka, is a high school sophomore obsessed with superhero fantasies. His mind is always filled with dreams of heroes. He creates his own superhero, "Wingman", and with the help of his friends, builds the suit and weapons. One day, he comes into possession of the "Dream Note", an invention of his father, allowing him to transform into "Wingman" for five minutes. Meanwhile, Aoi, a mysterious girl from another dimension called Podrimus, arrives in the three-dimensional (Earth) world and sets the stage for the unfolding story. Kenta will be joined by Aoi, played by Konatsu Kato, and other characters played by Hina Kikuchi, Hiyori Katada, Amane Uehara, Jotaro, Yuno Ohara, Ui Mihara, and Haruki Tachibana.
Additionally, Kurara Emi will play Kenta's homeroom teacher, Ms. Matsuoka, while Koji Matoba will take on the role of Kenta's warm and supportive father, Masamichi Hirono, and Shinobu Nakayama will play his mother, Yoshiko Hirono. Daikichi Sugawara will portray the Prime Minister, a character deeply involved in Wingman's battles.
The newly released cast visuals highlight the characters’ expressions, particularly Kenta’s determined look, and capture the four key characters: Kenta, Aoi, Miku, and Mr. Kitakura.
■ Cast Comments : Mamoru Miyano
“I’m thrilled to be involved with Mr. Katsura’s work again in this way, and even more excited to work once more with Director Sakamoto in such a surprising way. I’m deeply moved by the strange fate of my acting career. On set, I was inspired by Director Sakamoto’s passionate direction, and I had deep discussions with Mr. Katsura about the character. I’m giving my all to play 'Mr. Kitakura,' so please look forward to it!”
■ Kurara Emi
“I’m playing Matsuoka, Kenta Hirono’s homeroom teacher. She’s strict but also has a warm side, supporting her students’ growth. She also has a bit of a soft spot for handsome men, making her a relatable and human character. I’m excited to witness the youthful journey of Kenta and his friends. Director Sakamoto is renowned for his action scenes, and I’m thrilled to be working with him again. The action scenes are a must-see!”
■ Koji Matoba
“I play Masamichi Hirono, Kenta’s calm and supportive father. This show packs everything into it: love, friendship, family bonds, all within a superhero story. I haven’t seen the action scenes yet, so I’m really looking forward to the broadcast. Please enjoy this work, which Mr. Katsura has poured his heart into for years!”
■ Shinobu Nakayama
“It’s such a dream come true! I was thrilled reading the script about a boy who dreams of being a hero and eventually becomes one. Kenta’s dedication and perseverance to become a hero, along with the heartwarming family dynamics, create a beautiful story. I loved being part of this heartwarming set, and my dream of becoming a 'hero’s mother' has come true again. Thank you!”
■ Daikichi Sugawara
“I was surprised to learn that Wingman is being adapted into a live-action drama for its 40th anniversary. I’m honored to be part of such a milestone work. Playing the role of a prime minister who is taken over by an external force was daunting; imagining the fear of a national leader losing control was truly frightening. I hope my performance resonates with the current times, and I’d love for everyone to watch it!”
Drama WINGMAN Official Web Site
Source : ORICON NEWS