Movie “Cells at Work” Additional Cast for the 4th Installment
(C) Akane Shimizu / Kodansha (C) Shigemitsu Harada, Kazuya Hatsu, Akane Shimizu / Kodansha (C) 2024 Movie “Cells at Work” Production Committee
As additional cast members for the live-action movie “Cells at Work” debuting on December 13, new cells responsible for maintaining health in the body including helper T cells and liver cells, alongside “terrifying” bacteria threatening human health such as pneumonia bacteria, pyogenic streptococci, and Staphylococcus aureus, have been announced.
Playing the role of the commander, the helper T cell, who devises strategies to accurately attack intruding enemies based on information about them, is Shota Somiya, known for his appearances in hits like “Onmyoji 0” and “Who is That Girl?”. As for the liver cells, which account for 70-80% of the liver and are responsible for metabolism and detoxification, Kyoko Fukada, who has starred in numerous leading roles and teams up with director Hideki Takeuchi for the first time since the popular series “Lupin’s Daughter”, will take on this role.
Ikuta Riko, known for her roles in various popular productions such as the film “Blue Period” and the NHK taiga dramas “Aoi Tokugawa” and “How Will You Be?”, will play the role of a rookie red blood cell, working tirelessly as part of Shigeru Urushizaki’s environment filled with bleak challenges, trying to deliver oxygen to various organs daily.
Additionally, reliable senior red blood cells guiding the rookie red blood cells in that tough environment will be played by Ryo Kato, who actively performs in a wide range of mediums including dramas, stage, films, and variety shows, and has also appeared in Takeuchi’s project “Flying Saitama” series.
In the human world, the “healthy high school girl” Nikko Urushizaki, played by Mana Ashida, harbors a crush on her ideal senior, Shin Takeda, portrayed by Kiyoshiro Kato, who rose to fame as a child star with “Kid Store Manager” and has recently been in trending projects such as the drama “Best Teacher: A Year Later, I Was■ by My Students” and the film “It’s Okay But What?”
Furthermore, the cast of the “terrifying” bacteria threatening human health has also been revealed. The bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, known for causing pneumonia, will be played by Ainosuke Kataoka, who has left a strong impact in various works including the film “Kingdom: Flames of Destiny” and “Flying Saitama: Sending Love from Lake Biwa.” In this work too, he is depicted as a bacterium threatening humans with a shocking visual presence and an overwhelming aura.
The common bacterium, pyogenic streptococcus, which resides in the throat, gastrointestinal tract, and skin and can cause various diseases, will be portrayed by Shinya Niinou, who appeared as Toyotomi Hideyasu in the taiga drama “Sanada Maru” and as Zen Sei Ko in “Kamakura-dono no 13-nin”.
Additionally, the role of Staphylococcus aureus, which resides on the skin and in pores, with high toxicity and can invade the body through wounds, causing epidermal infections, food poisoning, pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis, has been given to Pearl Ozawa, who gained attention for her emotional performance in the drama “Peony and Rose” and has recently appeared in “Lupin’s Daughter” and “Flying Saitama” series directed by Takeuchi.
Although the character name is currently withheld, Fukase from the four-member band SEKAI NO OWARI will appear as the strongest enemy of the cells. Fukase made his actor debut in the movie “Character” as a shocking serial killer and has received accolades such as the 45th Japan Academy Prize for New Actor and the Hochi Film Award for Best New Actor, making this film his second role as an actor.
Movie “Cells at Work” Poster Visual
(C) Akane Shimizu / Kodansha (C) Shigemitsu Harada, Kazuya Hatsu, Akane Shimizu / Kodansha (C) 2024 Movie “Cells at Work” Production Committee
Additionally, the poster visual, which has continuously illustrated the proliferation of popular characters with each cast announcement, has finally been completed with the announcement of the new cast, showcasing an impressive visual gathering all 17 characters.
The first round of movie tickets (muv ticket) is currently being sold exclusively at theaters, and the second round has been announced for sale this autumn. The second round is expected to differ in design from the first round’s ticket illustrations.
Moreover, additional sales of the first round of muv tickets, which have sold out at many theaters, have been decided. Resale is set to proceed sequentially, starting from the end of August. Additionally, starting from the 20th, online sales of muv tickets will also begin.
The comments from the additional cast of eight announced this time are as follows:
Shota Somiya (Role: Helper T Cell) Comment
I had heard bits and pieces about the rumor of the live-action adaptation of “Cells at Work”! I am filled with surprise and joy to be called upon myself!
Moreover, playing the cool helper T cell, I eagerly gave the call to action for killer T cells. I hope you will watch the grand battles of these small heroes within the universe of the body in theaters!
Kyoko Fukada (Role: Liver Cell) Comment
I never imagined the inside of the liver would be such a world…
Liver cells have a dazzling appearance and play an important role in supporting everyone navigating modern society. During the filming, I enjoyed the scenes with Sadawo Abe in a friendly atmosphere alongside the director Takeuchi, staff, and cast.
Many fascinating characters appear, making it a great opportunity to learn about the body while enjoying the work.
When I think about such a romantic and infinite world expanding within our bodies, our everyday lives take on a more narrative charm. I’m very excited at the thought of the experiences shared by those who watch the film!
Riko Ikuta (Role: Rookie Red Blood Cell) Comment
When I was offered the role, I was filled with joy thinking about being a part of that world.
The rookie red blood cell I will portray appears in the original work “Cells at Work BLACK” and faces extreme conditions in this movie as well.
During the filming, I too experienced the harshness and felt the same fatigue as the rookie red blood cell.
I believe that level of fatigue will reflect on the screen (laughs).
There are funny scenes, tearjerkers, educational moments, and it makes you feel more affectionate towards your body and wanting to care for it. Please watch the grand story of the small cells and humans in the world of “Cells at Work” on the screen!
Ryo Kato (Role: Senior Red Blood Cell) Comment
I’ve played “non-human roles” before, but it finally arrived… I’m playing the senior red blood cell!!!
Moreover, it’s truly an honor to become part of Sadawo Abe’s body, whom I have long admired and loved.
Together with the rookie red blood cell, we will go on a grand adventure inside the body while experiencing all sorts of events.
I think this work will be a reason to reflect upon one’s health, saying, “I’m sorry for living an unhealthy life, cell friends,” so I would love for people all around the world to see it.
Even now, the cells are working hard inside everyone’s body.
Kiyoshiro Kato (Role: Shin Takeda) Comment
When I received the offer, I first thought, “Wow! It’s ‘Cells at Work’!! Which character will I be? Which cell will I play?” and my excitement soared.
And then, learning that the story unfolds along the axes of the internal world of cells and the human world, I realized that I have been entrusted with a very significant role as the admired senior of Nikko who has feelings for the owner of the body where the cells live, tightening my resolve.
I am very delighted and proud to have been involved in creating the loving human world with the staff led by director Takeuchi, along with Mana Ashida and Sadawo Abe.
I’m simply excited to watch this work in theaters!
Ainosuke Kataoka (Role: Pneumococcus) Comment
I was honored to be approached by director Takeuchi while shooting “Flying Saitama II”.
Playing the role of “pneumococcus”, a “highly toxic bacteria”, was a surprise and something I couldn’t imagine. Thanks to the special makeup and costume, I found it easy to immerse myself in the world, and I enjoyed acting while having fun.
It became an opportunity to reflect on my health, and it’s a piece of work that anyone regardless of age or gender can enjoy, so please watch it in theaters!
Shinya Niinou (Role: Pyogenic Streptococcus) Comment
I never thought a day would come when I would be asked to play the role of “pyogenic streptococcus”, life can bring surprises (laughs). We had multiple fittings to match it to my body. The makeup tests were repeated many times, and I was thrilled with the creativity team’s sense and quality. Please pay attention to the meticulous details from this professional team.
The completed work showcases an unparalleled high-quality world. And it featured a storyline that far exceeds expectations. It’s a wonderful work that reflects the director Takeuchi’s personality in its essence. I feel incredibly honored to become one of the cells in this work.
Pearl Ozawa (Role: Staphylococcus Aureus) Comment
The animated original was something I watched with my children after my mom friends recommended it, so I was surprised when I received the offer. I was even more surprised when I found out I would be playing Staphylococcus aureus, but my daughters were very happy to hear the news.
I had never played a bacterium before, but I had an idea of the character from watching the anime, and I was excited to utilize my experience as a villain in past roles.
When I got to the set, the world was very true to the original work, and the costumes and makeup were spectacular, so I was thrilled throughout.
The costumes were incredibly heavy, but it required several times the usual energy to perform. I realized I need to build my stamina for when I take on another bacterium role in the future.
It’s a fantastic work that will make you laugh, cry, and learn. I encourage everyone to check it out!
Fukase (SEKAI NO OWARI) (Role: ?????) Comment
This role involved a character with both love and hate, which was very challenging. Since I have little experience acting, I received great support from everyone on set.
I believe this film is enjoyable and educational for audiences of all ages, so I hope families can watch it together!