Hajime Komoto's MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES became an even bigger hit after two seasons of TV anime, with Season 3 set to premiere in January 2027.
Just one day after the live-action movie was officially announced on November 4, the production revealed its star on November 5. Mackenyu Maeda, formerly known as Mackenyu Arata, will play Mash, the hero who takes on an entire magical world armed with nothing but muscle. Yuichi Fukuda has also been confirmed as director, while the film's first teaser visual and super teaser trailer have now been unveiled.
Following the live-action announcement on November 4, the production has now revealed the actor playing protagonist Mash Burnedead. Mackenyu Maeda will tackle the role of a hero whose relentlessly trained physique becomes his ultimate weapon against the magical world.
Maeda previously delivered a fierce, soulful performance in Rurouni Kenshin: The Final as Kenshin Himura's destined rival, Enishi Yukishiro. He later joined Netflix's live-action series "ONE PIECE" as Roronoa Zoro, winning over viewers worldwide and cementing his profile far beyond Japan.
To build the kind of overpowered physique capable of going toe-to-toe with magic, Mackenyu Maeda spent the entire stretch from accepting the role to the start of filming in preparation, devoting roughly three years to a carefully planned fitness and body-conditioning program to create a physique fans could believe in.
Meanwhile, acclaimed filmmaker Yuichi Fukuda, who took the box office by storm with the Gintama movies and scored another major hit with SAKAMOTO DAYS in 2026, has signed on to direct. The result promises to be a rule-breaking magical battle spectacle unlike anything audiences have seen before.
Full comments from the actor, director, and original creator
Mash Burnedead Actor: Mackenyu Maeda
I am a huge fan of MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES myself, so throughout filming, I gave everything I had to bring the fun of the original work to an even wider audience through this live-action adaptation.
One of my biggest challenges was figuring out how to portray Mash, a character who rarely shows much emotion on his face. But Mash possesses extraordinary strength, and I felt that even without many words, he could communicate his emotions through that power. I approached the role with that idea in mind, and I believe I was able to preserve Mash's unique spirit while bringing him to life.
To prepare as thoroughly as I possibly could, from the day I received the offer, I spent three years training my body and working to build a physique that fans would accept as Mash. I hope everyone will see the results of that effort for themselves on the big screen.
Looking back on filming, I was genuinely thrilled to work alongside actors from my generation again, and I made plenty of new friends through this project. Even when we were not shooting, everyone was constantly hanging out and laughing together. Once the cameras started rolling, we had to fight to keep straight faces every single day. I think that joyful atmosphere will come through in the finished film. I hope everyone looks forward to its release!
Speaking of which... how about we flex those muscles a little?
Director: Yuichi Fukuda
Weekly Shonen Jump launched on July 11, 1968, exactly one day before my birthday. Looking back on my life, I learned everything from Shonen Jump: what it means to be cool, what makes people laugh, and even how a person should live. I was completely captivated by MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES and the way it embodies the three pillars of friendship, effort, and victory.
It has an introverted hero who also happens to be the strongest, along with classic, crowd-pleasing comedy. There is so much about it that I love. Reading it for the first time even brought back the excitement I felt as a kid, running to the neighborhood candy shop every week to buy Shonen Jump. I carried that same excitement into this film and poured in everything I have learned over the course of my career.
Five seconds after we secured the adaptation rights, I immediately offered the role to Mackenyu. I even asked him, "When will you be finished shooting Zoro?" Thankfully, we managed to make both production schedules work. When Mackenyu arrived on set the day before filming began, his upper body was packed with muscle while his lower body remained remarkably lean. It was the perfect physique for Mash, and his commitment to the character was unmistakable.
With Mackenyu leading the way, I was able to assemble the best cast I could possibly imagine. I was working with nearly all of them for the first time, so every day on set felt fresh. The entire shoot was an absolute joy! I cannot wait for audiences to finally see the movie.
Original Creator: Hajime Komoto
When I heard that the series was getting a live-action movie, I could not help blurting out, "Seriously!?" Even my cat, Yoichomaru, got incredibly excited and would not stop scratching cardboard boxes!!!!!
I visited the actual filming location, saw the sets, and witnessed Mackenyu Maeda's fully trained muscles with my own eyes. The results were unbelievable! I can still remember how my own pecs started twitching left and right all by themselves!!
And to top it all off, Warner Bros., the studio behind that famous magical world, is producing the film... Just thinking about it makes both my legs feel like they are about to cramp!! After watching this movie, I guarantee you will want to run straight to the gym!! Make sure you see it in theaters!!
Directed by Yuichi Fukuda and starring Mackenyu Maeda, the live-action MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES movie is scheduled to open on March 19, 2027.
The 19th of every month also happens to be "Cream Puff Day," celebrating Mash's favorite treat. The production has hinted that fresh updates could arrive on future 19ths, giving fans another reason to keep an eye on the calendar.
via： X@映画『マッシュル』公式