On March 19, 2025, the long-awaited conclusion to the riveting Japanese drama 'Gannibal' started streaming exclusively on Disney+ 'Star' at 4 PM. Celebrations kicked off a day prior, on March 18, at a world premiere screening event featuring an ensemble cast that includes Yagira Yuya, Kasamatsu Sho, Yoshioka Riho, Shizuoka Kokoro, Yoshihara Mitsuo, Tsune Matsuri, Kura Yuki, and director Katayama Shinzo.
The audience at the screening was treated to insights from the crew about the upcoming season and memorable anecdotes from the filming process. Amidst the excitement, a surprise cake was unveiled to celebrate Yagira's upcoming birthday on March 26, showcasing heartfelt moments as Yoshioka and Shimizu shared the cake with him, drawing smiles from all around.
The event concluded with another surprise appearance by 'that person', portrayed by actor Sawai Ichihiro, who sent the entire venue into a frenzy. The excitement was palpable as attendees gathered to catch a glimpse of the cast and the acclaimed director.
The thrilling premise of 'Gannibal' Season 2 continues to delve into the mysterious and ominous happenings in Kuge Village. Yagira Yuya, playing the role of Daigo Agawa, expressed immense pride in the project, stating, “We’ve created this for our fans and can now present it confidently.” He is joined by Kasamatsu, who plays the role of the new head of the Goto family, who echoed a sentiment of bittersweet excitement regarding the fans experiencing something so personal to the cast.
Yoshioka, portraying Daigo’s supportive wife, added, “Season 1 was just a taste. This season surpasses all expectations in scale,” further igniting the anticipation for viewers. Shimizu, playing their daughter, aspires to convey the intricate narrative of individual justice as the tale unfolds, saying, “This story highlights each character's sense of justice, and I can’t wait for everyone to see how it all resolves.”
The stakes are even higher with the introduction of considerable action sequences that have outpaced the previous season. Under the direction of Katayama, the production aimed to explore intense character dynamics enhanced by the action. Both Yagira and Kasamatsu acknowledged that the creative tension injected energy into their performances, stating, “We wanted to unleash something unseen in Japanese dramas, with spectacular chase scenes and high-octane action.” They clearly aimed to raise the bar in terms of visual storytelling.
Production took to several geographically diverse locations, even including extreme weather challenges. Yoshioka recalled, “We often shot without green screens, opting for realism, which led to long, exhausting days on set. I remember one night when filming took us until sunrise, and the director insisted we hustle.”
This season is rated 18+, as it embraces even darker themes, exploring the underlying horror of the village’s secrets. Yagira mentioned, “I can assure viewers that the pace will quicken as the plot drives towards a thrilling conclusion,” embodying the intensity expected in this dramatic cycle.
Additionally, an official POP UP event will occur, letting fans immerse themselves in the eerie world of Kuge Village from March 19 to March 24 at the Cross Shinjuku Space. The likes of Yagira, Kasamatsu, and Yoshioka engaged in this interactive experience and praised its detailed recreation, characterizing it as “on par with the drama itself.”
The expectations accompanying Season 2 are sky-high, with both the cast and the fans eager to witness how the finale unfolds, especially given how Season 1 left viewers on the edge of their seats. As it embarks on this final chapter, will Daigo be able to unveil the horrifying truths about Kuge Village?
As the countdown begins, Yagira expressed, “I want to blow away everyone with 'Gannibal'. This show represents a fresh era for Japanese drama and I hope it captivates audiences worldwide.” The stage is set for a groundbreaking conclusion—a drama where the lines between order and chaos blur, revealing truths too horrific to imagine.
