Tokyo, Japan witnessed the spectacular premiere of "The Promised Child - The Final Act" on December 20, 2024, with excitement palpable at the pre-release event held the day before. The cast, including rising star Sakurai Kaito, who plays Aqua, and Saito Nagisa, portraying Ruby, gathered to share their experiences and feelings surrounding this highly anticipated film.
"The Promised Child" is the cinematic continuation of the beloved manga, which has captivated audiences and sold over 18 million copies since its serialization began in "Weekly Young Jump" back in 2020. The story follows the twins Aqua and Ruby, descendants of the legendary idol Ai, as they navigate the challenges of the entertainment industry.
During the pre-release event, Sakurai candidly expressed the unique pressures of taking on such a popular storyline. "We felt deep pressure coming from the popularity of the original material," he shared with the audience, acknowledging the expectations placed upon them. "It’s very fulfilling to finally deliver this to our audiences," he continued, reflecting the dedication the cast had put forth to bring this project to life.
The atmosphere was electrifying as the evening unfolded, filled with laughter, shared anecdotes, and nostalgic moments from the filming process. The cast members, including Saito Ashika and director Smith, animatedly engaged with the audience, inviting questions and sharing behind-the-scenes stories.
A particularly humorous highlight of the event emerged from Sakurai Kaito, who kicked off a light-hearted segment about fibs. With expert timing, he declared, "I announced I'm 29, but really I'm 23!" This playful confession ignited laughter among castmates and attendees alike, including Saito Nagisa, who was visibly taken aback, exclaiming, "Wait, are you saying you’re releasing this today?" Their disbelief and Kaito's cheeky grin made for memorable exchanges.
Equally charming was Saito Nagisa, who expressed her own feelings of loyalty and gratitude toward their work. Connecting with the audience, she conveyed how rewarding it was to embody her character’s emotions amid the whirlwind of expectations surrounding the film.
Both actors conveyed their desire not only to honor the original work but to reach audiences on a global scale. "This is the first time I feel like our work will be seen by people all over the world," Sakurai noted, emphasizing the excitement of showcasing their art beyond local audiences.
The integration of music and artistic performance brought another layer of excitement to the pre-release festivities. The audience was treated to live performances and interactive segments, which illustrated the dynamic nature of the film's presentation, intertwining live-action and music vividly.
Reflecting on this transformative experience, the cast expressed immense pride about their involvement and the project as a whole. The continued partnership between Amazon and Toei for the adaptation has opened up discussions about even broader distributions and versions of the film well beyond its initial release.
"The Promised Child - The Final Act" is not just another film; it’s encapsulated the aspirations of youthful dreams and the harsh realities faced within the entertainment circle. Audiences can experience the continuation of Aqua and Ruby's story, filled with high-stakes drama and unexpected turns, providing entertainment for both fans of the manga and newcomers alike.
The premiere night served as both a celebration and anticipation of what lay ahead. The cast left the stage echoed by cheers and applause, embodying the excitement of their audience. The sense of community they created showcased the film's potential to resonate with viewers everywhere, paving the way for its worldwide debut.
Overall, the pre-release event and film premiere marked a significant moment for the cast and crew behind "The Promised Child - The Final Act." Their ability to bring beloved characters to life, combined with the warmth of their interactions, foreshadowed what could be another monumental success attached to this compelling story.
