The iconic Japanese drama and film series, Bayside Shakedown, starring Yuji Oda, is making a grand return to the big screen this year with a new movie after a 12-year hiatus! Titled "Bayside Shakedown N.E.W.: Metropolis Dash!" (working title, 踊る大捜査線 N.E.W. メトロポリスを駆け抜けろ！), the film is set to hit theaters on September 18.
Today (August 10), the official announcement dropped a bombshell: voice actors Fumihiko Tachiki, Kenjiro Tsuda, Tomokazu Seki, and Kenji Nojima will be joining the cast! These four titans of the voice acting world are slated to play the highest-ranking executives of the National Police Agency, gathering for the series' signature "round table" scene to deliberate crucial matters. The sheer star power of these four, given their extensive roles and esteemed status in the voice acting industry, has sent fans into a frenzy!
Here are their newly revealed roles:
Fumihiko Tachiki: Commissioner General of the National Police Agency
Kenjiro Tsuda: Deputy Commissioner General of the National Police Agency
Tomokazu Seki: Deputy Superintendent General
Kenji Nojima: Director-General of the Commissioner General's Secretariat
All four actors donned police uniforms for the shoot, perfectly embodying the commanding presence of the National Police Agency's top brass.
The status of these four in the voice acting world is undeniable, and fans are absolutely stunned to see them all assembled for "Bayside Shakedown N.E.W."
Fumihiko Tachiki is famously known as Gendo Ikari from "Neon Genesis Evangelion"; Kenjiro Tsuda has voiced Kento Nanami in "Jujutsu Kaisen" and Seto Kaiba in "Yu-Gi-Oh!"; Tomokazu Seki is the voice behind Shinya Kogami in "Psycho-Pass"; and Kenji Nojima has played Mamoru Chiba / Tuxedo Mask in "Sailor Moon Crystal," as well as Nobuchika Ginoza in "Psycho-Pass."
Interestingly, all four voice actors have previously worked with Katsuyuki Motohiro, the director of "Bayside Shakedown N.E.W.," on his past projects. Director Motohiro expressed his genuine excitement and welcome for their involvement.
Naturally, this powerhouse voice actor lineup, even in their capacity as live-action film actors, has sparked a flurry of memes and jokes among netizens, referencing their iconic anime roles. Fans are wondering if we'll hear Fumihiko Tachiki, in his Gendo Ikari voice, tell Aoshima, "Get in the Eva, Shinji!" (or rather, "Get in Unit-01, Aoshima!")
While their screen time might be limited, the sheer vocal presence of these four is enough to send shivers down your spine. Even the director noted how they infused the tense high-level meeting with "Bayside Shakedown's" signature comedic elements, delivering layers of performance through their voices. He expressed immense gratitude for their participation.
Don't miss "Bayside Shakedown N.E.W.: Metropolis Dash!" when it premieres in Japan on September 18!
▼ Official Trailer