Grappler Baki Movie fancast
I feel that once the upcoming Baki anime debuts on Netflix soon, the anime would be so popular that it would make a live-action film of its own, now I know some anime to live-action didn't get a good rep recently but I believe if done correctly it would be amazing, in Baki's case, it's mainly martial arts/MMA (maybe some drama here and there) orientated, the characters pose no jutsus, no ki blasts, no flying, all just raw strength. I feel that the film's plot should maybe center around the first manga volumes (1-9) of Baki the grappler (black haired Baki) as the 1994 OVA and 2001 anime slightly touched upon it, but maybe more plot added into the film. This is probably the most difficult list I ever created as a lot of actors have to fit the character perfectly in my opinion. If you have any suggestions please let me know.
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- Director
- Stunts
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Adored by his fans for many years Isaac Florentine has built up his excellent reputation within the movie business. At first attracting the action movie fans, Isaac moved into the mainstream with New Line's release Undisputed II: Last man standing. The film received rave reviews not only for its groundbreaking fighting scenes but also for its complexity and dramatic qualities. The film was also a financial success and was rated #1 in the "Non Theatrical" category of the DVD renters in February 2007 (source; Video Business Online - Market Data 02/01/07 and 02/11/07). 'Impact Magazine,' the world's leading publication dedicated to the Action/Martial Arts films hailed Isaac as "one of the most talented directors in the genre." Having over ten features and over one hundred and twenty television episodes under his belt, Isaac has proven his ability to bring leadership to the set, while providing the project with his own unique artistic flair. Born in Israel to Holocaust-survivor parents, Isaac often went to the movies as a child. When he saw a matinee showing of Sergio Leone's The Good, the Bad and The Ugly, he was immediately captivated by Leone's masterful operatic style. From that day on, Isaac was hooked. He now knew that he wanted to become a filmmaker. While in high school, Isaac shot three films with his father's super 8mm camera. After graduating from high school, he completed a mandatory three-year army service, and then went to Tel-Aviv University to attain a degree in Film & Television. Isaac's first film was an adaptation of Jacques Prevere poem, "Dejeuner Du Matin." His graduating project was a film called 'Farewell, Terminator', which awed critics with its vision, and was awarded Grand prize in the Mograbee Film Festival. In addition, the film won prizes for Best directing, editing, cinematography, costume, production design and music, plus it was chosen to represent Israel in the short foreign-student film category of the 1988 Academy Awards (the Oscars).The following year, Isaac decided to move to the United States to pursue his filmmaking career. This not only was a big move for him and his wife, Barbara, but Isaac also had to give up is highly successful Karate school (he had trained in martial arts since he was 13 years old, and by this time, was considered one of the best practitioners in the country). Isaac cut his teeth in the American film industry working as a fight choreographer and a second unit director. Two-and-a-half years later, he directed his first feature, Desert Kickboxer. Despite its hectic sixteen-day schedule and ultra-low budget, Isaac's inspired direction was so impressive that HBO bought the film. Since then, he has worked steadily as a director in film and television, and he continues to impress people with his creative visual style. After rewarding years in the United States, including having four children with Barbara, Isaac can look back and smile. But that doesn't mean that he's ready to rest yet. Isaac's passion for filmmaking has no limit, and he looks forward enthusiastically to even bigger cinematic challenges in his future.As director
Known for Undisputed 2 & 3 and Ninja 2, I believe he'll be very familiar with Baki the grappler universe especially it's underground tournament feel. Not only I think his style would fit this manga adaptation very well, but also not afraid to make it, even more, grittier than the Undisputed films also.- Ryôsuke Yamada was born on 9 May 1993 in Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Assassination Classroom (2015), Fullmetal Alchemist (2017) and Assassination Classroom: The Graduation (2016).As Baki Hanma (random pick)
Also experienced with the recent Full Metal Alchemist film. - Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Ryan Potter is an actor, director, martial artist, and photographer. Ryan, though born in the United States, was raised in Tokyo until the age of seven.
Ryan got his start as the lead, "Mike Fukanaga" in Nickelodeon's "Supah Ninjas," (2011-2013) working with the legendary, George Takei, who played his grandfather.
In 2014, he starred in Disney's animated superhero blockbuster, Big Hero 6. He voiced the lead character, Hiro Hamada, a child prodigy who teams with a large robot. The film was released in the U.S. at #1 and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2015. He went on to voice the same character for the animated television show, Disney's Big Hero 6: The Series (2017...)
Ryan also devotes much of his energy to raising awareness for several charities including Covenant House and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. He is grateful for his "Big Brother" of 14 years and is one of the organization's Celebrity Ambassadors. In addition, Ryan will be working closely with the Papau New Guinea Tribal Foundation on an upcoming expedition to provide medical supplies to those in need.As Baki Hanma (well-known pick)
As there are not many young Japanese martial artists that I know of, however, Ryan seems to be the only one to fit Baki as he is very experienced in martial arts. My only problem is that I initially cast him as Trunks in my Dragon Ball list.- Actor
- Director
Yu Shirota's a Japanese actor & singer. He's most known for his role as Kunimitsu Tezuka in The Prince of Tennis movie & Tenimyu musicals as well as for his role as Tuxedo Kamen in the Sailor Moon Musicals. He's also part of a young men's stage acting troupe, D-Boys, which perform in various skit-like performances.
He was born on December 26, 1985 to a Japanese father & Spanish mother. As such, he lived in Barcelona until he was about 2. He returned to Japan for elementary school & could still speak Spanish in ordinary conversation. When he was little, his family liked to sing songs, so he would borrow his older sister's keyboard, while his mother taught him piano. This spawned Shirota's love for composing. He composed his first piece when he was in the4th grade, titled the "The Tear".
On November 16, 2005, he released an Idol DVD called With U. He has appeared in various numbers of commercials, commercial videos, TV shows, musicals, movies & MISIA's "In My Soul" music video. He has also appeared in a series of commercial videos for the games Shadow Hearts From the New World and Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side.
He starred in the Watanabe net drama, Hice Cool (2005), appearing alongside fellow D-Boy members, Kotaro Yanagi, Yuya Endo & Osamu Adachi.
He's part of the Watanabe Entertainment group named D-BOYS & 1 of the original members. As a member, he also keeps a blog, which he updates occasionally & includes a personal video greeting. Being a member has provided him w/ lots of opportunities. Among them was performing w/ the group & expanding his experience as a performer. The D-Boys so far have released 2 photobooks. The 1st photo-book, titled D-Boys, was released on April 27, 2005, while the 2nd, called Start, was released on March 15, 2006. He has hosted a radio show called "Marvelous Radio Vibration" w/ fellow D-Boys member, Kotaro Yanagi. The show ended on April 1, 2006.
From 2003-2004, he became the 7th actor to play Tuxedo Kamen (Tuxedo Mask) in the Sailor Moon Musicals. Afterwards, he won the role of Kunimitsu Tezuka, the stoic captain of Seigaku Middle School's tennis club. From 2005-2006, he became the 3rd actor to play Tezuka in The Prince of Tennis Musicals. His role as Tezuka was carried into the live adaptation film of the manga. On March 29, 2006, he & most of the Seigaku cast graduated from their roles in the Dream Live 3rd live concert.
He was able to continue playing Kunimitsu Tezuka from the musicals in the live-adaptation film of the anime/manga series, The Prince of Tennis (2001). He & most of the principle cast members for the Seigaku boys reprised their roles.
His next movie, the June Bride was released on May 27, 2006. He played the title character Natsumi. The movie also co-stars fellow D-Boy members, Hiroki Suzuki and Hirofumi Araki.As Jack Hanma- Hiroshi Abe was born on 22 June 1964 in Kanagawa, Japan. He is an actor, known for Still Walking (2008), Godzilla 2000 (1999) and After the Storm (2016).As Yujiro Hanma
Let's be real and say we're not gonna find a 6'5' Japanese man with 100% muscle and I think Abe is the closest I can think of, he has the right age to play a father and he voices Kenshiro of Hokuto No Ken, It would be interesting how he plays the villain. - Actor
- Producer
- Additional Crew
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa got his first big break as an actor when he was cast in Bernardo Bertolucci's The Last Emperor (1987). A US Army brat, he was born in Tokyo and lived in various cities while growing up. His father was in the army, stationed at Ft. Bragg (NC), Ft. Polk (LA) and Ft. Hood (TX). His mother was an actress from Tokyo. The family finally settled in Southern California, where Tagawa began acting in high school. He was an exchange student in Japan while studying at the University of Southern California. He has recently been involved off-screen in addressing student groups (at SFSU and Stanford). He has also been coaching the martial artist portraying Shang Tsung in the Mortal Kombat Live Tour, and in his free time developing his new form of martial arts, called "Chun Shin."As Doppo Orochi
Even though I haven't cast him as Heihachi, he would fit very well with the Karate master Doppo Orochi as he the character is in his 60's so it won't be a problem for Cary.- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Shun Oguri was born on 26 December 1982 in Tokyo, Japan. Shun is an actor and director, known for Godzilla vs. Kong (2021), Gintama 2: Rules are Made to be Broken (2018) and Two Homelands (2019). Shun has been married to Yû Yamada since 14 March 2012.As Kureha Shinogi
Experienced with action films and once played a veterinarian in one of his works, I believe if he bulks up, grows out his hair and dye it orange he would be great for the role.- Kento Handa was born on 4 June 1984 in Hyogo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Kamen Rider 555 (2003), Kamen Rider 555: Paradise Lost (2003) and Super Hero Taisen GP: Kamen Rider 3 (2015).As Kosho Shinogi
The jealous brother of Kureha and an expert of the cord-cutting technique of karate, the reason I picked Kento is that not only he's younger than Shun but also experienced in shows like Kamen Rider. - Actor
- Stunts
Shi, a Chinese martial arts actor and action director, is also the 32nd generation disciple of Shaolin Temple. He entered Shaolin at the age of 12 as a trainee and during the eleven years he was there, represented Shaolin in various cultural exchanges and visits, showcasing Chinese Kungfu around Europe and South East Asia. Shi was subsequently discovered by Stephen Chow who gave Shi his screen debut in Kung Fu Hustle , a film that grossed more than $100 million worldwide. Over the years, Shi has grown into one of the most recognizable and influential action director and actor in China via his realistic fighting style, working with top actors such as Donnie Yen (Ip Man) and Jackie Chan. He has starred in more than 35 films and TV series, including Ip Man, Flash Point, Line Walker and IP Man Side Story: Cheung Tin Chi.Tasked with the responsibility of spreading the culture of Chinese Kungfu, Shi hopes to share it with the rest of the world and break new boundaries in the world of action filmmaking.As Kaio Retsu
Being a Shaolin Monk himself, this role would naturally fit for himself, no other words needed to describe him.- Art Director
- Animation Department
- Art Department
Hitoshi Nagao is known for Mobile Suit Gundam I (1981), Genesis Climber Mospeada (1983) and Astro Boy (2004).As Mount Toba
Even though he's retired from wrestling, I can see him as Toba as the character is based on Giant Baba, although much smaller than the character, I definitely think he would give an intimidating performance for the role.- Actor
- Producer
William McChord Hurt was born in Washington, D.C., to Claire Isabel (McGill) and Alfred McChord Hurt, who worked at the State Department. He was trained at Tufts University and The Juilliard School and has been nominated for four Academy Awards, including the most recent nomination for his supporting role in David Cronenberg's A History of Violence (2005). Hurt received Best Supporting Actor accolades for the role from the Los Angeles Film Critics circle and the New York Film Critics Circle.
Hurt spent the early years of his career on the stage between drama school, summer stock, regional repertory and off-Broadway, appearing in more than fifty productions including "Henry V", "5th of July", "Hamlet", "Uncle Vanya", "Richard II", "Hurlyburly" (for which he was nominated for a Tony Award), "My Life" (winning an Obie Award for Best Actor), "A Midsummer's Night's Dream" and "Good". For radio, Hurt read Paul Theroux's "The Grand Railway Bazaar", for the BBC Radio Four and "The Shipping News" by Annie Proulx. He has recorded "The Polar Express", "The Boy Who Drew Cats", "The Sun Also Rises" and narrated the documentaries, "Searching for America: The Odyssey of John Dos Passos", "Einstein-How I See the World" and the English narration of Elie Wiesel's "To Speak the Unspeakable", a documentary directed and produced by Pierre Marmiesse. In 1988, Hurt was awarded the first Spencer Tracy Award from UCLA.as Strydum
No words, the character obviously took inspiration from Thunderbolt Ross ;).- Hidekazu Nagae was born on 9 September 1958 in Aichi, Japan. He is an actor, known for Kamen Rider Zero-One (2019), Dogra Magra (1988) and Gantz (2010).As Kaoru Hanayama
We're not gonna find a teenage actor that looks so ripped and smug looking, I thought settled to choose this guy to play Hanayama. - Masaru Nagai was born on 20 May 1978 in Itoigawa, Japan. He is an actor, known for Mirai Sentai Timeranger (2000), Mirai sentai Timeranger vs. Go Go V (2001) and Shinsengumi keppuuroku (2011). He has been married to Noriko Nakagoshi since 20 December 2014. They have two children.As Katsumi Orochi
Well known for his role in super sentai, I thought the age gap between him and Cary is reasonable and more believable, also Katsumi was revealed to be Doppo's adopted son later in the manga. - Masahiro Kobayashi was born on 16 May 1971 in Hokkaido, Japan. He is an actor, known for Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (2005), The Boy and the Beast (2015) and GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka (1998).As Kanji Igari
- Actor
- Producer
Togo Igawa is an actor/director living in England. In 1968 he joined the Theatre Centre 68 (precursor of the Black Tent Theatre), and went on to tour throughout Japan, performing in more than 120 cities. In 1983 he moved to England. In 1986, the opening season for the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon Avon, he became a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company as its first Japanese actor. Since then he has appeared extensively on stage, film, television and radio worldwide.As Goki Shibukawa
A well-known actor like himself should definitely fit the bill of the wise, old master of jujutsu.- Stunts
- Actor
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Aaron Toney is known for Avengers: Endgame (2019), Black Panther (2018) and Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023).As Biscuit Oliva
Oliva is USA's greatest weapon that can take down Yujiro, Aaron is not only an experienced stuntman and martial artist but also exact same height as Oliva (standing at 180cm), now if he bulks up I think he would fit perfectly for the role.