One of Japan's Biggest Global TV Hits Returns:
Takeshi's Castle will premiere in late April 2023 exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide
Key art and and character visuals revealed -
including Takeshi Kitano; Bananaman (Osamu Shitara as chief retainer and Yuki Himura as vassal);
and castellans Shinya Ueda, Naomi Watanabe, and Ennosuke Ichikawa IV
TOKYO - March 10, 2023 - Prime Video Japan released today new character visuals, featuring Takeshi Kitano as resurrected Castle Lords, Bananaman's Osamu Shitara and Yuki Himura as chief retainer and vassal of Takeshi's Castle, and Shinya Ueda, Naomi Watanabe, and Kabuki actor Ennosuke Ichikawa IV as castellans of three castles guarding the centre of Takeshi's Castle. The character visuals also include Hayato Tani and Subaru Kimura as the attack captains.
An unscripted adventure-variety show, Takeshi's Castle is back on Prime Video for the first time in 34 years. On the program, more than 100 contestants attempt to bring down Takeshi's impenetrable castle and challenge several "impossible" games set in a vast outdoor field.
"Takeshi's Castle is filled with fundamentals of variety shows," said Takeshi Kitano, the lord of Takeshi's Castle. "The way people boldly try something nearly impossible and end up failing is one of the most fun things to watch. I hope you enjoy the show without thinking too much."
"I grew up watching the original version of Takeshi's Castle, so I was thrilled to get to participate in this show," said Osamu Shitara, who appears as the chief retainer. "As a child I liked the show so much that I had always said I wanted to be the lord of Osamu's Castle. I was happy to hear of its revival, and I even got to appear in it. At first, I couldn't believe it was really going to happen."
"It's not like any other show's revival," said Yuki Himura, who appears as the vassal. "During my school days, I used to watch the show and think, 'It looks so fun, I wish I could join the show.' It was everyone's favorite TV program, so I still cannot believe it's back, and that I can appear in it."
Shinya Ueda, who appears as the first castellan, had previously stated passionately that he would like to appear in this show. "I'm glad I said that. I received an offer for this role the day after I said I wanted to be a part of the show," he commented. "I used to go home and watch the show in my high school days, so this is one of my biggest dreams come true."
"I had heard rumors about the revival of Takeshi's Castle, but I never thought I would be chosen as a castellan. I was surprised to hear that I got cast alongside all the other TV stars," said Naomi Watanabe, who plays the second castellan. "Takeshi's Castle is a show with a long history that has always been loved all around the world, so I'm honored to be a part of it."
"Takeshi's Castle is a terrific program that became the inspiration for Sasuke Ninja Warrior," said Ennosuke Ichikawa, who plays the third castellan. "For those who know the original version, it is nostalgic, and can also be enjoyed as a kind of a sports show. But most importantly, it is a comedy show with no script, and everything happens in the show is all by chance. I hope everyone enjoys it."
"For me, Takeshi's Castle is a special TV program, so I always wanted to be a part of the show again in any role," said Hayato Tani, who reprises his role as an attack captain in the new version. "I thought it would be tough to be an attack captain at my age, because the role is responsible for boosting the morale of the attacking forces, but being chosen to play the role again really got me fired up."
"After rewatching the original show, I realized how important the role of the attack captain was. That's why I was honored to be chosen, but I also felt pressure," said Subaru Kimura, who plays the young and new attack captain. "I hope that those who know how popular the show was back then will become passionate when they see Mr. Tani being the attack captain again, and I, as the new leader, will promote Takeshi's Castle to the younger generation."
Numerous obstacles await the challengers, and all the exciting moments will make your hands sweat. Will anyone be able to conquer the impregnable castle? Amazon Original Takeshi's Castle will be distributed exclusively worldwide starting in late April.
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