Netflix Reveals Cast for ‘BET’ Adaptation of Japanese Manga ‘Kakegurui’ Series in Exclusive Announcement
Netflix has announced the ensemble cast for BET’s upcoming live-action TV adaptation of the popular Japanese manga thriller Kakegurui, helmed by showrunner Simon Barry and Boat Rocker Media. The series will feature Miku Martineau, Ayo Solanke, Eve Edwards, Clara Alexandrova, Hunter Cardinal, Anwen O’Driscoll, Aviva Mongillo, and Ryan Sutherland in leading roles. Set in an elite boarding school where underground gambling dictates the social hierarchy, the English-language adaptation has commenced production in Toronto.
The thriller series draws inspiration from the Japanese manga series Kakegurui, which has gained a significant following through its streaming on Netflix. The show’s premise revolves around the school’s unconventional power dynamics driven by high-stakes gambling activities.
With the global popularity of Japanese anime on the rise, BET joins the trend of adapting manga series for television audiences. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll have played a pivotal role in introducing manga content to viewers worldwide, particularly during the lockdown period.
In the narrative of BET, the introduction of Yumeko, a mysterious transfer student from Japan, disrupts the school’s established order with her exceptional gambling skills and hidden agenda. As she navigates the challenges posed by the formidable Student Council, Yumeko’s pursuit of revenge threatens to dismantle the school’s existing power structure.
The anime-inspired series, comprising ten episodes, is spearheaded by executive producers Simon Barry, Jeff F. King, David Fortier, Ivan Schneeberg, Jon Rutherford, and Nick Nantell. The original Japanese Kakegurui series, spanning two seasons from 2017, featured Saori Hayami, Minami Tanaka, and Tatsuya Tokutake in prominent roles. Additionally, spinoffs of the anime franchise included a live-action series and a movie adaptation in Japanese.
In related news, John Lennon’s long-lost guitar recently fetched a record-breaking $2.85 million at a Times Square auction, underscoring the enduring appeal of iconic music memorabilia. The Shanghai Film Festival also made headlines by unveiling its competitive lineup for 2024, showcasing a diverse array of international cinema.
As BET prepares to bring the thrilling world of Kakegurui to a new audience, the series promises an exciting blend of suspense, intrigue, and high-stakes drama within the confines of an elite boarding school setting.
