On October 22, the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Wingman will premiere on TV Tokyo’s Drama 25 slot. Ahead of the launch, a press conference was held featuring director Koichi Sakamoto, cast members Maito Fujioka, Konatsu Kato, Mamoru Miyano, and original manga creator Masakazu Katsura.

Sakamoto’s Nostalgic Connection to Wingman

Director Koichi Sakamoto expressed his excitement about bringing Wingman, a classic hero manga, to life. “I was in middle school when Wingman started serialization. So, being able to direct its live-action adaptation is a dream come true,” Sakamoto shared enthusiastically. His deep love for hero stories, dating back to his school days, significantly influenced his approach to directing the series.

Sakamoto explained that Wingman would be an unapologetically classic hero story, a refreshing contrast to the more stylistic, modern hero dramas. “There’s a nostalgic element to this project, but we’ve incorporated the latest CGI and design technologies to create something new and exciting,” he said, emphasizing the mix of retro heroism and modern filmmaking techniques.

Action Sequences with a Heroic Heart

Sakamoto also took on the role of action director, ensuring the fight scenes stayed true to the spirit of the original manga. “Kenta, the protagonist, is a hero fanatic. Even after transforming into Wingman, he remains true to his nerdy roots, calling out his weapon names and striking bold poses. It’s that kind of pure heroism that I wanted to bring back to the screen,” Sakamoto explained.

Maito Fujioka, who plays Kenta, reflected on the challenges of embodying a character who revels in classic hero moves. “The poses and declarations Kenta makes would feel embarrassing if I did them as myself. But through the character, I was able to embrace the heroic spirit,” he said. Sakamoto added that Fujioka’s dedication to action scenes brought even more energy to the set. “The more effort Maito-kun put into the action, the more fun I had directing,” he laughed.

A Legacy of Heroism: Maito Fujioka and His Famous Father

Maito Fujioka is the son of Hiroshi Fujioka, the legendary actor who portrayed the original Kamen Rider. Naturally, the press was eager to know if Sakamoto saw traces of the iconic hero in Maito. “From the very first action practice, I could tell he had inherited something special. His ability to quickly learn and execute moves was impressive. And during filming, there were moments when his intensity and presence on screen reminded me of his father,” Sakamoto noted.

When asked about these comments, Maito smiled and said, “Thank you! That means a lot to me,” showing a deep appreciation for both the legacy of his father and the role he’s now stepping into.

Wingman’s Story and Its Unique Appeal

The live-action adaptation of Wingman is based on Masakazu Katsura’s debut manga, serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1983 to 1985. The story follows Kenta, a high school sophomore and hero enthusiast who creates his own superhero persona, “Wingman.” With the help of a mysterious notebook invented by his father, Kenta gains the ability to transform into Wingman for five minutes. His adventures begin when Aoi, a girl from the otherworldly realm of Podrimus, appears, seeking Kenta’s help to save her dimension from impending doom.

With a mix of action, humor, and Katsura’s signature style, Wingman promises to capture both new viewers and longtime fans of the original manga. The series will also be available for streaming on DMM TV.

WINGMAN Official Site

Source : ORICON NEWS