Blue Lock Live Action Film Casts Kota Nomura as Rensuke Kunigami, Known for Playing Wakana Gojo in My Dress Up Darling

The live action film adaptation of the soccer manga Blue Lock, scheduled for release in summer 2026, has announced another additional cast member. Kota Nomura (JP: 野村康太) has been cast as Rensuke Kunigami, and the character visual has been revealed alongside the announcement.

Rensuke Kunigami Character Overview

Kunigami, portrayed by Nomura, is a sincere and spirited young man who embodies sportsmanship and strong moral conviction. His guiding belief is fair and honest competition, and his straightforward and earnest personality has earned him deep trust from his teammates. Blessed with a powerful physique, Kunigami fights using his strength and a formidable left foot middle range shot as his primary weapons.

Kota Nomura is also widely recognized for his role as Wakana Gojo in the live action adaptation of My Dress Up Darling, adding further attention to his casting in the Blue Lock live action project.

Expanding Cast Lineup

It has already been confirmed that Fumiya Takahashi stars as the protagonist Yoichi Isagi, Kaito Sakurai plays Meguru Bachira, and Kyohei Takahashi of Naniwa Danshi portrays Hyoma Chigiri. With each new reveal, anticipation continues to build toward the film’s summer 2026 theatrical release.

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.”

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