Chainsaw Man THE STAGE Reze-hen Unveils Cast & Dates
The highly anticipated second stage play adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto's hit manga, Chainsaw Man, has just dropped exciting news for fans. Titled CHAINSAW MAN THE STAGE Reze-hen, this production will bring the beloved Reze Arc to life on stage, with official details now confirmed, including the full cast, a new visual, and essential performance dates. Prepare for an explosive theatrical experience that delves into one of the manga's most iconic storylines.
Performance Schedule and Venues
Fans across Japan will have two opportunities to witness the intense drama of the Reze Arc live. The play will first run in Tokyo at the Tennozu Galaxy Theater. Performances are scheduled from July 25 to August 2. Following its Tokyo run, the production moves to Kyoto, where it will play at the Kyoto Theater from August 7 to August 12. Secure your tickets early to ensure you do not miss this thrilling adaptation.
Meet the New Cast Members
The CHAINSAW MAN THE STAGE Reze-hen introduces several talented actors to portray key characters from the Reze Arc. Yui Yokoyama takes on the pivotal role of Reze, bringing the mysterious and dangerous Bomb Devil to the stage. Yutaro joins as the melancholic Angel Devil, while Hayate Kajihara steps into the powerful role of Beam. Masahide Funaki will portray the formidable Violence Fiend. Adding a unique dynamic to the lead character, Masahide Tada and Yutaka Nakasone will jointly take on the role of the titular Chainsaw Man. Lastly, Mai Kaida and Mayu Ikeda are cast as the Bomb Devil, potentially in different forms or stages.
Familiar Faces Return
Reprising their roles from the successful first stage play, several fan-favorite actors are set to return, ensuring continuity and beloved portrayals. Naotake Tsuchiya once again embodies the chaotic yet charming Denji. Mizuki Umetsu returns as the stoic and dedicated Aki Hayakawa. Mahiru Coda is back as the energetic and unpredictable Power. And finally, Aya Hirano reprises her role as the enigmatic and manipulative Makima. The returning cast guarantees a seamless transition and a continuation of the high-quality performances seen previously.
The Creative Minds Behind the Stage
The acclaimed creative team from the first Chainsaw Man stage play is also making a comeback for Reze-hen. Fumiya Matsuzaki is once again at the helm, directing and writing the script, promising a cohesive vision. Shunsuke Wada returns to compose the music, ensuring the atmospheric and intense soundscape that fans expect. HIDALI will again provide the choreography, bringing dynamic and thrilling action sequences to the stage. Their collective expertise is sure to deliver a captivating theatrical experience.
Preceding the Reze Arc Film's Success
The Reze Arc has already proven its popularity in another medium with the release of Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc. The anime film, which opened in Japan on September 19, dominated the box office, debuting at #1 and replacing the previously reigning Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle - Akaza Sairai film. It sold an impressive 807,000 tickets, earning over 1.25 billion yen (approximately US$8.46 million) in its opening weekend alone. By November 30, the film had accumulated over 9.27 billion yen (approximately US$59.964 million), showcasing the immense appeal of this particular storyline.
SPE acquired worldwide theatrical rights, bringing the film to North American audiences on October 24, with early screenings for Crunchyroll members on October 22. It also featured RealD 3D screenings. The U.K. saw its release on October 29, and the movie screened in over 80 countries globally by September 24. It topped its opening weekend in North America, earning an estimated US$17.25 million across 3,003 theaters. Sony Pictures Entertainment later released the film digitally on December 9, further expanding its reach. The movie's success clearly sets a high bar and builds anticipation for the stage adaptation of the same thrilling arc.
The World of Chainsaw Man On Screen and Page
The animated journey of Chainsaw Man began with the television anime series, which premiered on TV Tokyo and five other affiliated channels, as well as Amazon Prime Video, in October 2022. Crunchyroll has made the anime accessible to a global audience, streaming it in over 200 countries and territories.
Tatsuki Fujimoto's original manga, Chainsaw Man, first debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in December 2018. Its "first part," the "Kōan" (Public Safety) arc, concluded in December 2020. The manga's second part, "Gakkō-hen" (School Arc), began serialization on Shueisha's Shonen Jump+ service in July 2022, concluding recently on March 24 (March 25 in Japan). With over 30 million copies in circulation, the manga has also received critical acclaim, winning the Best Manga award at The Harvey Awards for three consecutive years. The widespread popularity and critical success across all its forms—manga, anime, and film—underscore the fervent excitement surrounding its stage adaptations.
The stage play promises to add another exciting dimension to the Chainsaw Man universe, offering fans a unique live interpretation of the dramatic and action-packed Reze Arc.
