The hit manga Darwin’s Game is getting a live-action film adaptation, with Nakagawa Taishi starring as the protagonist Kaname. The announcement also revealed a star-studded cast including Koki,, Hata Meiku, Kamio Fūju, and Yamamoto Kōji.
Based on the manga by FLIPFLOPs serialized in Bessatsu Shōnen Champion, Darwin’s Game follows ordinary college student Sudō Kaname, who is dragged into a deadly battle royale after opening an invitation from a mysterious app. Players gain unique supernatural abilities called Sigil and must fight for survival. The manga has sold over 3 million copies.
Nakagawa Taishi, known for his versatile acting, takes on the role of Kaname, who wields the Sigil Hinokagutsuchi, allowing him to copy and manipulate any object he touches. Nakagawa commented, “Playing a protagonist with such a strong sense of justice feels fresh. I hope the live-action format brings the characters’ fear, conflict, and growth closer to the audience.” He added, “Please dive into the world of Darwin’s Game through the immersive experience of the cinema.”
Koki, plays Shuka, the “Undefeated Queen” with overwhelming combat power. Her Sigil, Queen of Thorns, lets her freely control chain-like structures. Koki, noted, “This story isn’t just about survival; it also depicts loneliness, conflict, and bonds between comrades.”
Hata Meiku portrays Rein, a cool-headed strategist whose Sigil Laplace allows her to instantly analyze and predict any movement. Hata described Rein as “a calm and cool character who also harbors human emotions and struggles.”
Kamio Fūju plays Ryūji, who possesses the Sigil True or Lie, enabling him to detect falsehoods. A fan of the original anime, Kamio said, “I was happy to be part of a work I already loved. Filming felt like I was truly inside the world of Darwin’s Game.”
Yamamoto Kōji takes on the role of Hiiragi, whose Sigil Megumeru allows him to manipulate plants. Yamamoto expressed confidence in director Sōri Fumihiko, saying, “Knowing this is a Sōri film, I had no doubt he would create a visual world beyond imagination.”
Director Sōri Fumihiko, known for Ping Pong, the Fullmetal Alchemist live-action series, and Hakkenden, will helm the film, utilizing world-class VFX to bring the Sigil battles to life. He described the film as “a new hero’s birth story,” following Kaname as his ordinary life collapses and he faces an absurd world with human strength.
Original creator FLIPFLOPs also commented, “We hope the film will be the best it can be, without being bound by strict reproduction of the original.”
The first teaser visual and trailer have been released, showing the main cast unleashing their Sigils. The trailer begins with Kaname being transported into the game and features intense battles, highlighting the unique abilities of each player.
The live-action film Darwin’s Game opens in theaters on March 12, 2027.
(C)FLIPFLOPs (Akita Shoten) 2013 (C)2027 Amazon, TOEI
— Satō Erika
