Ren Meguro Cast as Lead in Live-Action Sakamoto Days Film Adaptation

Japanese actor and singer Ren Meguro has been officially chosen to star as Taro Sakamoto in the forthcoming live-action adaptation of the acclaimed manga and anime series "Sakamoto Days." The story centers on Sakamoto, a retired hitman who has transitioned into a peaceful life as a family man and convenience store owner, frequently interrupted by assassination attempts.

Meguro, 28, a member of the Japanese idol group Snow Man and recognized for his dynamic acting in productions such as the 2023 live-action "My Happy Marriage," expressed his enthusiasm about leading the project. He stated, "I am truly honored to be playing the lead role in 'Sakamoto Days,' a beloved manga and anime series. Until now, I have mainly appeared in serious roles with messages for others, but this time, I wanted to perform in 'SAKAMOTO DAYS' for myself."

The casting presents a unique challenge, as Meguro will embody Sakamoto's contrasting personas—once a formidable assassin and now a gentle husband and father, notably depicted as a "fat assassin" in the original work, a signature aspect fans eagerly anticipate seeing on screen. Meguro acknowledged this difficulty, commenting, "The character I play was once a legendary assassin but is now a devoted family man. This contrast is his most compelling trait, making him incredibly cool."

Reflecting on his role, Meguro revealed this project marked his first significant action experience, which uncovered new facets of his abilities and boosted his confidence. "I even found myself wanting to become an action actor who can take on any challenge (laughs)," he added.

Under the direction of Yuichi Fukuda, Meguro aimed to faithfully capture the original manga’s humor and emotional depth. "I put my heart into portraying the characters' world and charm. I hope to resonate with long-time readers, fans, and new audiences alike," he remarked.

The film is scheduled to premiere in Japanese theaters during the Golden Week holiday in 2026, spanning from April 29 to May 6. Details regarding its release in the Philippines remain forthcoming.

Created by Yuto Suzuki, "Sakamoto Days" has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since November 2020, compiling 23 volumes in Japan and 18 in English. The anime adaptation, directed by Masaki Watanabe and produced by TMS Entertainment, debuted on Netflix in January 2025, further boosting the series’ popularity.