Live-action films announced for ‘Yatterman’ and ‘Gatchaman,’ among others

Nikkatsu Corporation held an event on Tuesday to announce its lineup of new movies. A total of sixteen films were revealed.

The biggest news of the event was the live-action adaptation of the 1970s anime series “Yatterman.” The film will be directed by Takashi Miike and is scheduled for release in the spring of 2009. Filming is projected to begin at the end of this year or in early 2008.

Miike is aiming to recruit some big names for the cast. He reportedly offered the role of Doronjo, the leader of the villains, to actress Angelina Jolie, but she turned down the offer.

The anime series “Science Ninja Team Gatchaman,” also from the 1970s, is being adapted into a live-action film as well, though no details were given.

Other announcements included “Naoko” starring Juri Ueno (adapted from Nobuhiro Sakata’s manga), “ARCANA” starring Maki Horikita, “Atashi ga Sanran Suru Hi” starring Kaho, “Bokutachi no Suki Datta Kakumei” starring Masatoshi Nakamura (who also starred in the play of the same name), and an adaptation of Takuji Ichikawa’s novel “Boku no Te wa Kimi no Tame ni.”

Source:
Sankei Sports