It’s right about that time for Shochiku to help turn the lights back on for its theatrical release plans this year, namely for long-awaited action comedy sequel, The Fable: A Contract Killer Who Doesn’t Kill.
A June 18 release is now in tow as of early last month following a delay of its planned February release due to the ongoing pandemic. That the good folks over at Shochiku are moving along is a positive sign that things are progressing, and for this, the Kan Eguchi-directed live-action manga follow-up won’t be the only Junichi Okada starrer rolling out this year for the actor.
Reprising her role as Yoko from the 2019 inaugural is Fumino Kimura, next to Okada’s titular portrayal of Akira – a known legend in the underworld as an elusive and deadly assassin, then forced into hiding by his employer and advised never to kill.
The sequel sees Akira forced back into action when the design company where he shares part time employment under CEO Takoda (Jiro Sato) and with co-worker Misaki (Mizuki Yamamoto), is targeted by a dubious non-profit mogul and urban developer named Utsubo (Shinichi Tsutsumi) and his killer for hire, Suzuki (Masanobu Ando). Actress Yurina Hirate is also a new addition to the cast next to returning actors Kai Inowaki and Ken Yasuda, with Koichi Sato reprising the role of Akira’s boss.
Alas, all comes full circle with new trailer footage, with Shochiku continuing onward with the light-hearted and liberating addendum of featuring Lady Gaga, now with Ariana Grande for the title track, “Rain On Me”; The title track for the first film is “Born This Way”, also by Gaga, which begs asking just why it is that film hasn’t gotten a niche release here in the states yet. A queer music sensation emblazoned all over an international action movie hit is something I think would stand well in these parts. Plus, the first film was pretty damn dope.
Oh well, here’s to the sequel. Let’s make it a twofer! Plus, there’s a minute-long trailer just below that’s more to-the-point if you prefer.
