Netflix found its Yusuke Urameshi for its live-action series Yu Yu Hakusho.
Tokyo Revengers actor Takumi Kitamura will star. The project was announced by the streamer last year, but details and new photos have just been dropped.
Yusuke Urameshi will be played by Takumi Kitamura #yuyuhakusho pic.twitter.com/LWcZ60LQIw
– Netflix Anime (@NetflixAnime) on July 16, 2022
While there is an anime version, the series draws directly from the manga (1990). The story follows a teenage delinquent named Yasuke who dies while doing charity work. Heaven and Hell have no place for him so to reunite his soul with his body, he becomes an underworld detective.
The exclusive was initially reported by IGN who were able to receive a quote from the actor and director of the series.
“The original work is a universal and unique masterpiece and a reason why Japan is so proud of its strong manga and anime culture. I am glad to share Yu Yu Hakusho’s masterpiece with the world and I hope we can create something that people everywhere will enjoy, “
“When I first heard about Yu Yu Hakusho getting a live-action adaptation, I was honestly wondering if it would even be possible — but after a presentation with the producer’s vision and possibilities with Netflix, my expectations grew and I found myself burning with passion to bring this project to life. “Said director ShoTsukikawa. Most of all, I think Yu Yu Hakusho’s appeal comes from its characters, so I wanted to highlight the attractive relationships and battles in Yu Yu Hakusho.”
Tsukikawa also added insights into what fans can expect with the series action scenes.
“The visual effects we use are quite advanced because we use cutting-edge technology, aimed at the best quality we can achieve,” he states. “Finally, from the beginning, we were strongly aware of creating a series for a global audience. Just like when I first heard about this adaptation, there may be people out there who feel it’s an impossible undertaking, but no matter how much I express how I feel “I believe that the work will speak for itself and prove that it is possible. I will continue to pour my heart and soul into the project to deliver the best entertainment from Japan to the world.”
