Anime fans take note, the live action version of the famed cartoon Lupin III is coming to theaters… in Japan. Still, this is great news for fans that grew up with the series (I am one of those fans) and have waited to a movie of the property. While it doesn’t seem likely that there will be a stateside release, we can expect to be able to pick up the DVD when it’s released. The live-action Lupin the 3rd film will première in Japan on August 30th.
According to the website Anime News Network, the films plot is as follows.
“Lupin and his partners in crime before they became a gang. They infiltrate the high security of the Ark of Navarone, a gigantic fortress-like safe, to lay claim to the Crimson Heart of Cleopatra within. It is said that whoever possesses this treasure shall “unite the world.”
Lupin III (ルパン三世 Rupan Sansei), is a 1967 Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Monkey Punch (Katō Kazuhiko) that follows the incredible feats and adventures of Arsène Lupin III, the grandson of Arsène Lupin, the gentleman thief of Maurice Leblanc’s series which is often described as a French counterpart to Arthur Conan Doyle’s creation Sherlock Holmes. Considered the world’s greatest thief, Lupin III, travels the globe, stealing priceless objects and announcing his intentions via calling card before pulling off the heist. Joining him are expert marksman and Lupin right-hand man right-hand man Daisuke Jige, master swordsman Goemon Ishikawa XIII who is said to possess a sword and skills that can cut anything and femme fatale Fujiko Mine, fellow thief and Lupin love interest. Pursuing them across the globe is Inspector Koichi Zenigata, who has made it his life mission to catch the master thief. Shun Oguri will play the lead role of Lupin. Tetsuji Tamayama (Casshern) will play the pistol- wielding Daisuke Jigen, while Gou Ayano (Rurouni Kenshin) is playing the skilled swordsman Goemon Ishikawa. The seductive temptress and Lupin love-interest Fujiko Mine will be played by Meisa Kuroki (Crow Zero II). Actor Tadanobu Asano, last seen in Thor: The Dark World as Hogun the Grim, is playing Detective Kōichi Zenigata. Ryūhei Kitamura (Godzilla: Final Wars) is directing from a script written by Mataichirō Yamamoto (Crows Zero). Rounding out the cast are Jerry Yan (Meteor Garden) who is playing an original character named Michael Lee, a character described as an adversarial rival of Lupin’s. Also starring are South Korean singer Kim Joon and Thailand actor Thanayong Wongtrakul (The Man from Nowhere). Filming is taking place in Japan and Thailand.
Lupin III in theaters this summer.
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