The hilarious manga "High School Family" by Ryo Nakama, which ran for three years in Weekly Shonen Jump, has just announced a live-action film adaptation! Starring popular actor Shingo Katori, this wild, coming-of-age comedy sees the entire family become high school students. The film is slated for release in Fall 2026 or later.
"High School Family" began its run in Weekly Shonen Jump on September 7, 2020, concluding on February 20, 2023. It compiled into 11 tankobon volumes, with the final volume featuring three bonus chapters. The series follows a four-person family as they all enroll in high school. This turns protagonist Kotaro Ietani's anticipated high school life upside down, as his entire family literally becomes his classmates.
Ryo Nakama's debut work, "Isobe Isobee Monogatari: Ukiyo wa Tsurai yo," left a strong impression on readers with its comedic style and laid-back atmosphere. "High School Family" continues this vein, showcasing charmingly absurd family interactions in a school setting, all wrapped in a fun, slice-of-life vibe.
Shingo Katori plays Ichiro Ietani, the dad who, despite being a salaryman, suddenly finds himself reliving school life as a high school student.
Katori shared his feelings about the role: "Ichiro has a line, 'I've always dreamed of being a high school student because I only finished junior high.' I actually started working after junior high myself. I've been so busy with work that I've always longed for high school life. Playing Ichiro makes me incredibly happy; I finally got a high school student role, I'm almost in tears!"
Joining Dad back at school is Mom, Shizuka Ietani, played by Riisa Naka. The most shocked of the bunch, eldest son Kotaro Ietani, who suddenly finds his entire family as classmates, is portrayed by Jun Saito. And the younger sister, Haruka Ietani, who skips elementary school to jump straight into high school, is played by Yuno Nagao.
Even the family cat, Gomez, who also attends school, will be played by Daifuku, a popular feline actor with a resume of commercials and films.
Toichiro Ruto, known for directing the "Ossan's Love" series, is at the helm, with Makoto Ueda of Europe Kikaku handling the script. Director Ruto described the film as "a brand-new family dynamic, a Reiwa-era family comedy that's going to go full throttle!" He expressed strong confidence in the film's completion.
Alongside the announcement, an official family photo of the Ietani clan in their school uniforms at the entrance ceremony was released. While Dad, Mom, and little sister beam with smiles, Kotaro's face sports a subtle yet complex expression, hinting that his high school life is anything but ordinary.
With Shingo Katori tackling a "high school student" role and the unprecedented setup of an entire family becoming classmates, what kind of sparks will fly? Fans of "High School Family" will undoubtedly be curious to see how this live-action adaptation brings the beloved story to life.