Actor Hiroshi Tamaki is taking the lead in an upcoming suspense film titled "Manatsu no Orion," directed by Tetsuo Shinohara. Based on the novel "Raigeki Shindo Juukyuu-ten-go" by Tsukasa Ikegami, the movie is set near Okinawa during World War II. While the main focus is a naval battle between a Japanese submarine and an American destroyer, the film also portrays the personal relationships among those involved.

Tamaki plays the warm-hearted captain of the submarine.　His close friend and colleague is being played by CHEMISTRY's Yoshikuni Dochin, who is making his acting debut with this role.

Toho and TV Asahi are involved in production. Filming started on July 1, and next month some scenes will be shot in the U.S. using a preserved WWII-era destroyer. Theatrical release is scheduled for 2009.