Toho takes on ‘Zatoichi’ one last time

Screen Daily reports that Sedic International and Toho have begun production on ZATOICHI THE LAST, starring 32-year-old actor Shingo Katori as the famous blind swordsman, gambler and masseuse living in late Tokugawa-era Japan.

According to the web site, “The story follows blind masseur and master swordsman Zatoichi after he has sheathed his sword for good, attempting to settle into a quiet life with his wife. During the journey to her hometown he’s provoked back into battle.”

Katori is the youngest member of a singing and TV entertainment troupe known as SMAP. Among numerous film and TV roles, he previously starred in MAGIC MONKEY (2007), a feature film revival of Japan’s beloved MONKEY TV series which ran from 1978 to 1980 and was based on the Chinese literary classic “Journey to the West.”

Sedic International CEO and producer Toshiaki Nakazawa reportedly cast Katori based on his physique and “ribald behavior.” The actor has been training in sword fighting since last June.

Nakazawa also reportedly stated that ZATOCHI THE LAST would be the final incarnation of the character across any media. That comes as a surprise given the enduring popularity of the character.

Zatoichi, the character, was created by novelist Kan Shimozawa and was adapted to the big screen by Daiei Studios and actor Shintaro Katsu. From 1962 through 1973, Shintaro portrayed the blind swordsman in 25 feature films. He also starred in a related TV series from 1974 through 1979 and returned to the character for a final feature film bow in 1989.

Since then, actor-director Takeshi Kitano has starred in ZATOICHI, a feature film revival and tribute in 2003 and Sori Fumihiko directed ICHI (2008), a feminine reinvention of the character with actress Haruka Ayase playing a blind swordswoman.

All but one of the original feature films starring Shintaro Katsu have been released in the U.S. on DVD and aired on cable TV. The one missing title is ZATOICHI’S PILGRIMAGE (1966). Rights to the film had at one time been secured by Quentin Tarantino and Miramax Films for a possible remake that was never developed. The current status of that license is unknown.

Toho plans to release ZATOICHI THE LAST in 2010.

Source: Screen Daily via Twitch Film

Tags: chambara, jidai geki, Toho, upcoming, Zatoichi