Netflix shared a first look at the live-action adaptation of beloved anime and manga series Yu Yu Hakusho today during its global virtual event, Geeked Week. The series will start streaming worldwide Thursday, December 14, 2023 on Netflix.
The teaser gives fans a thrilling glimpse into the world of Yu Yu Hakusho as they witness the iconic characters, including Yusuke, Kurama, Hiei, Kuwabara, in action for the very first time.
The production team spared no effort in bringing the Yu Yu Hakusho universe to life, utilizing cutting-edge technologies from around the world.
The visual effects were created by the Scanline VFX team, known for their work on numerous Hollywood blockbusters, and the series is a result of a global one-team production strategy between Japan and the U.S., including a cast and crew from Japan.
The teaser art depicts a dramatic face-off between Team Yusuke and the formidable Toguro brothers and Sakyo, hinting at an impending battle where “strength” and “beliefs” will collide in a clash of epic proportions.
The original manga by the legendary Yoshihiro Togashi made waves when it was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump for four years from 1990. The series breathes new life into the story, and fans old and new can expect to encounter their favorite characters in ways that have never been seen before.
Taking five years to complete the production of Yu Yu Hakusho, the team painstakingly ensured that the subtleties of every character’s emotions were accurately depicted in the adaptation. The fusion of state-of-the-art technology and a passion for staying true to the source material promises to make this adaptation a standout in the world of live-action anime.
Other than the previously announced Takumi Kitamura, Jun Shison, Kanata Hongo, and Shuhei Uesugi, the rest of the Yu Yu Hakusho cast includes:
Sei Shiraishi as Keiko Yukimura, Yusuke’s childhood friend;
Kotone Furukawa as Botan, the guide who leads Yusuke to the spirit world after his accidental death;
Ai Mikami as Yukina, a “Korime” (Ice Apparition) who searches for her estranged brother;
Hiroya Shimizu as Karasu, the dominant “yokai” (spirit) who poses a formidable obstacle to Team Yusuke;
Keita Machida as Koenma, the spirit world detective who commands Yusuke
Meiko Kaji as Genkai, mentor to Yusuke and Kuwabara;
Kenichi Takito as Elder Toguro, a human turned yokai;
Goro Inagaki as Sakyo, a mysterious figure who employs the Toguro Brothers and controls the underworld;
And Go Ayano as Younger Toguro, the most powerful adversary standing in Team Yusuke’s path.
Click here or on the image below to watch the teaser trailer!
Mirko Parlevliet has been reporting on the entertainment industry since 1998 and founded Vital Thrills in 2018 to cover the latest news on streaming, movies, TV, and video games.