The live-action film of Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu’s The Promised Neverland manga has revealed more cast details. And this time, they’ve announced that Keiko Kitagawa, who previously played the live-action Sailor Moon TV show’s Sailor Mars, will be playing the kids’ “Mama” herself, Isabella. Backing her up in the childcare duties is none other than comedian Naomi Watanabe, who plays Krone.

Kitagawa is already a fan of the manga, and admits that she understands how hard it is to adapt the manga. As for Watanabe, she admitted that she continuously consulted director Hirakawa on her character. She also says she wants to be a huge obstacle to the kids during the movie.

The film will star Saki’s Minami Hamabe as Emma. Starring alongside her as the main trio are Rihito Itagaki as Norman and Jiyo Kairi as Ray. Meanwhile, Yuuichirou Hirakawa (live-action ERASED) is directing the film.

While Jiyo Kairi is 13 years old and pretty close to the age of his character from the manga and anime, Minami Hamabe is 19 while Rihito Itagaki is 17. Because of this, the staff decided to change the ages of the characters from 12 to 16. However, it isn’t clear if this applies to young Kairi’s character as well.

The film itself opens on 18th December 2020.

Here is how Viz Media describes the manga’s story in English:

Emma, Norman and Ray are the brightest kids at the Grace Field House orphanage. And under the care of the woman they refer to as “Mom,” all the kids have enjoyed a comfortable life. Good food, clean clothes and the perfect environment to learn—what more could an orphan ask for? One day, though, Emma and Norman uncover the dark truth of the outside world they are forbidden from seeing.

Source: Sports Hochi