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‘Rurouni Kenshin: The Final/The Beginning’ release postponed amid pandemic
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Japanese actors Emi Takei (left) and Takeru Satoh (right) who play as Kaoru Kamiya and Kenshin Himura, respectively, in Japanese live-action film 'Rurouni Kenshin'. (Warner Brothers Japan/File)
T
he release of Japanese live-action films Rurouni Kenshin: The Final/The Beginning has been postponed to next year’s Golden Week holiday in Japan from late April to early May.
Helmed by Keishi Ōtomo, Rurouni Kenshin: Saishusho The Final and Rurouni Kenshin: Saishusho The Beginning were initially scheduled for release on July 3 and Aug. 7, respectively but were later delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Anime News Network, advanced ticket sales for the films have been discontinued, however fans who already purchased them are still eligible to use them.
Read also: New ‘Rurouni Kenshin’ movie being planned but may be delayed
Ōtomo shared on the film’s official website that the team had to halt production due to studio closure following the Japanese government’s state of emergency declaration.
Actor Takeru Satoh, who plays the lead role Kenshin Himura, expressed his apology and encouraged fans to watch the films at the cinema next year.
Based on a popular manga series by Nobuhiro Watsuki, the films feature other renowned Japanese actors, namely Emi Takei, Munetaka Aoki, Yu Aoi, Riku Ohnishi, Mackenyu Arata, Yosuke Eguchi and Kasumi Arimura.
Rurouni Kenshin: The Final/The Beginning are the fourth and fifth installments in the Rurouni Kenshin universe. All starring Satoh, the first film was released in 2012.
The franchise follows legendary swordsman Kenshin Himura as he tries to atone for his dark past. In the middle of his journey, he meets Kaoru Kamiya (Emi Takei) who works as a kendo instructor in Tokyo. As their relationship grows, Kenshin’s dark past eventually catches up with him. (wir/kes)
