Blue Lock Live Action Film Casts Kaito Sakurai as Meguru Bachira, Known for Playing Aqua in Oshi no Ko

The live action film adaptation of Blue Lock, set for release in summer 2026, has announced an additional cast member. Kaito Sakurai (JP: 櫻井海音) has been cast as Meguru Bachira, a fan favorite character from the original soccer manga. Sakurai is also widely known for portraying Aqua, the protagonist of the live action drama adaptation of Oshi no Ko.

A Soccer Survival Story That Ignited an Ego Driven Phenomenon

The character Meguru Bachira, portrayed by Sakurai, is a second year high school student with a highly distinctive sensibility. He is known for his exceptional dribbling skills and free spirited playing style, making full use of tricky movements and unpredictable techniques on the field.

CREDEUS Emphasizes Authenticity and Ego in Casting

The live action Blue Lock film is produced by CREDEUS, the studio behind successful live action projects such as Kingdom, Golden Kamuy, and Kokuho.

CREDEUS CEO Shinzo Matsuhashi explained the production background, stating:

“We were captivated by the raw intensity of the original work and its uniquely Japanese manga style storytelling. That passion led us to launch the project, which has been in full development since 2022. While writing the script, we worked closely with Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura, engaging in repeated discussions.”

Matsuhashi also emphasized that realism was a key priority when casting actors capable of embodying each character’s distinct ego.

“Including the lead role, we held a large scale audition with over 1,000 participants. We placed strong emphasis on soccer experience, visual presence, acting ability, and personal character.”

Intensive Training Ahead of Filming

He continued by revealing that the cast began training approximately one and a half years before filming started, receiving instruction from professional soccer players.

“Through rigorous training, the cast transformed into true egoists just like in the original work. They push each other to improve and approach filming with incredible determination. While respecting everything the original series has built, we are thoroughly pursuing expressions that only live action can achieve to deliver a new era of entertainment. Please look forward to it.”

The protagonist Yoichi Isagi is played by Fumiya Takahashi.

About Blue Lock

Blue Lock is a soccer manga currently serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine. The story follows an unknown high school forward, Yoichi Isagi, as he battles fierce rivals in a revolutionary project aimed at creating Japan’s ultimate striker.

Set within the Blue Lock Project, launched by the Japan Football Union to develop a striker capable of leading Japan to World Cup victory, 300 high school forwards from across the country compete in a ruthless survival program.

The manga has surpassed 50 million copies in circulation.

The TV anime aired its first season from October 2022 to March 2023, followed by a second season from October to December 2024. The franchise expanded into a game in 2022 and a stage adaptation in 2023. An anime sequel is currently in production, with the live action film scheduled for release in summer 2026.

Source : ORICON NEWS