Shinigami, hollows, and Zanpakutōs, oh my!
The first trailer for the live-action adaptation of Bleach is here, and features a quick look at protagonist Ichigo dispensing a corrupt spirit alongside a head-banging soundtrack. The footage shows off the film's sleek visual style, homaging the gorgeous and distinct look of its source material.
Launched within the pages of Shonen Jump back in 2001, Bleach follows the adventures of Ichigo Kurosaki after he obtains the powers of a Soul Reaper (also known in the series as a Shinigami). Accompanying the new capabilities are the responsibilities held by his new role, with his new job description consisting of defending humans from evil spirits and guiding lost souls to the afterlife. The series concluded last August, and the show's anime adaptation, produced by Viz Media, also has wrapped their series following a 366-episode run.
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The adaptation will focus on the "Substitute Shinigami Arc," the manga's initial storyline which comprised the series' first eight volumes. Shinsuke Sato, known for his other live-action adaptations including Gantz and Gantz II: Perfect Answer, is directing the project, and Sōta Fukushi (Strobe's Edge) will star in the leading role of Ichigo. The film is slated to hit theaters in Japan during the summer of 2018.