The hit soccer manga "Blue Lock" is being adapted into a live-action film, set to release on August 7, 2026, amid World Cup excitement.

Cumulative publication number surpasses 50 million copies! The hugely popular soccer manga "Blue Lock" (original work: Muneyuki Kaneshiro, Yusuke Nomura / serialized in Kodansha's "Weekly Shonen Magazine"), which has caused a storm of "ego" throughout Japan and is loved worldwide, is finally being adapted into a live-action film. Produced by CREDEUS, known for the "Kingdom" series and "National Treasure" and "SAKAMOTO DAYS," it will be released on August 7, 2026, just before the World Cup begins. "Blue Lock" is set in the "Blue Prison" project established by the Japan Football Association to train strikers who can lead Japan to victory in the World Cup. The story revolves around 300 high school forwards gathered from across the country, who engage in fierce survival battles to remain in the competition. With its innovative setting that breaks common sense and its egotistical characters bursting with individuality, along with unpredictable story developments, it has garnered immense popularity as a new landmark in soccer manga. "Blue Lock" has already been adapted into a TV anime in 2022, with a theatrical anime set to release in 2024, and has expanded into various media including smartphone games and stage adaptations. Last year, the announcement of the live-action film was made, and from January to February this year, visuals featuring the team Z characters, including Fumiya Takahashi as Seishiro Isagi, Kaito Sakurai, Kyohei Takahashi (Naniwa Danshi), and Kota Nomura, were released one after another, creating a buzz on social media. Additionally, at a production report meeting held in February, it was revealed that Masakazu Kubota would play Jinpachi Ego, the top official of the "Blue Lock" project, alongside the first teaser footage showing parts of the main film. The visuals, which look as if they jumped straight out of the original work, quickly became a trend. In April, additional cast members portraying the rival team V, including K (from &TEAM) and Keisuke Tsuna, were also announced! The unprecedented scale of the "egoists' battle" is attracting intense attention from around the world. Recently, a teaser video capturing the fateful match between team Z and team V, where their "egos" clash, was released. It was also announced that Mei Hata would play Henri Empiri, Jinpachi Ego's right-hand person. The teaser video depicts Jinpachi Ego monitoring from the command room as Seishiro Isagi (Fumiya Takahashi) leads team Z against the formidable team V. In this survival match, where losing means elimination, the egos of the strikers clash as they push forward with belief in themselves. The video showcases new play scenes from characters like Kaoru Hachiraku (played by Kaito Sakurai), Hyoma Chigiri (played by Kyohei Takahashi), and the ace of team V, Seishiro Nagi (played by K). Who will awaken their ego and rise to victory? The gripping battle is not to be missed. Furthermore, new cast members were announced in the teaser video! Mei Hata will portray Henri Empiri, a new employee of the Japan Football Association who initiated the "Blue Lock" project to fulfill the dream of winning the World Cup for the Japanese national team. Hata gained fame in 2023 for her role as the heroine in the film "But, Chikage-kun is Too Sweet" and her first lead role in the TV drama "The Best Student - Last Dance in One Year of Life". She is now a rising star with undeniable talent and overwhelming transparency, active in dramas, commercials, and films. Reflecting on her participation in "Blue Lock," she expressed, "I felt the great expectations for the live-action adaptation of a work loved by many both domestically and internationally, which made me nervous and anxious. However, I feel more honored to be part of this project. The filming site was always filled with high concentration, and I was supported by everyone’s sincere approach to the work, allowing me to engage with my role carefully. I hope I was able to deliver the world view faithfully while cherishing the charm of the original work." Producer Masami Matsuhashi commented, "Don't underestimate Henri Empiri just because she's cute. After all, she is the one who offered Jinpachi Ego and launched the Blue Lock project. Although she is a new employee of the Japan Football Association, she is a reformer who is not afraid to voice her opinions within the organization, possessing planning and execution abilities, and pursuing her own path. I believe many people aspire to be like her. I thought Mei Hata would portray Henri straightforwardly, and I offered her the role. I was impressed by her modesty and the strong light in her eyes, as well as her passionate approach to acting. I am confident that her chemistry with Jinpachi Ego will be enjoyable for everyone! ■ Work Overview "Blue Lock" will be released in theaters on August 7, 2026. <Cast> Fumiya Takahashi, Kaito Sakurai, Kyohei Takahashi, Keisuke Tsuna, Kota Nomura, K (from &TEAM), Yuzu Aoki, Takumi Nishigaki, Kohei Higuchi, Yuki Kura, Mei Hata, Masakazu Kubota Original work: Muneyuki Kaneshiro, Yusuke Nomura's "Blue Lock" (serialized in Kodansha's "Weekly Shonen Magazine") Production: CREDEUS Director: Yusuke Taki Screenplay: Tetsuo Kamada Production: CK WORKS Distribution: Toho (C) Muneyuki Kaneshiro, Yusuke Nomura / Kodansha (C) CK WORKS <Story> The Japanese national soccer team has long suffered from a lack of scoring ability, and to overcome this, a secret project called "Blue Lock" was planned. The 300 high school strikers gathered there undergo various trials, and only the last one standing can become the world's top striker. On the other hand, the cruel condition is that those who are eliminated will permanently lose their eligibility to join the national team. Can the nameless high school player Seishiro Isagi (Fumiya Takahashi) kick out 299 others and become the strongest ace striker? ■ Related Links "Blue Lock" Official Website