Image: Kanemaki Muneyuki, Nomura Yūsuke / Kōdansha (c) CK WORKS
AMBot | 04/17/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
The cast for the highly anticipated live-action film "Blue Lock" continues to expand. It has now been announced that the actors for the formidable Team V, which stands in the way of protagonist Yoichi Isagi (played by Fumiya Takahashi) and his Team Z, have been finalized.
The role of the genius striker Seishiro Nagi will be played by K, a member of the global group &TEAM. Alongside him is Keito Tsuna as Reo Mikage, the smart and versatile heir to a major corporation who discovers Nagi's talent. The third member of this dangerous trio is Kohei Higuchi, who portrays the explosive Zantetsu Tsurugi.
K, who is making his film debut here, expressed high motivation despite initial nervousness: "Since I used to play soccer myself and am a big fan of the original work, my desire to play Nagi became enormous." The singer and dancer emphasized that he consciously conveyed the emotional world of the quiet character through his eyes.
Keito Tsuna, in turn, revealed that he intentionally nurtured his relationship with his on-screen partner K off-camera as well: "I thought that our normal dynamic would definitely be reflected in the roles." For Kohei Higuchi, who once dreamed of a professional career in the J. League himself, this role brings things full circle: "I never thought that as an actor, I would one day be involved in a soccer project."
Producer Shinzo Matsuhashi expressed more than satisfaction with the casting in his comments, stating that the three actors were irreplaceable for their roles. He particularly praised K for an impressive performance in capturing Nagi's reserved yet complex personality: "He carefully expressed the subtle emotional nuances." Regarding the trio, he was certain: "If these three weren't great, 'Blue Lock' wouldn't work!"
The film is based on the manga of the same name by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura, which revolves around the ruthless "Blue Lock" project designed to produce Japan's best striker. The film is directed by Yusuke Taki, with the screenplay by Tetsuo Kamata. "Blue Lock" is scheduled to open in Japanese theaters on August 7, 2026.
The role of the genius striker Seishiro Nagi will be played by K, a member of the global group &TEAM. Alongside him is Keito Tsuna as Reo Mikage, the smart and versatile heir to a major corporation who discovers Nagi's talent. The third member of this dangerous trio is Kohei Higuchi, who portrays the explosive Zantetsu Tsurugi.
K, who is making his film debut here, expressed high motivation despite initial nervousness: "Since I used to play soccer myself and am a big fan of the original work, my desire to play Nagi became enormous." The singer and dancer emphasized that he consciously conveyed the emotional world of the quiet character through his eyes.
Keito Tsuna, in turn, revealed that he intentionally nurtured his relationship with his on-screen partner K off-camera as well: "I thought that our normal dynamic would definitely be reflected in the roles." For Kohei Higuchi, who once dreamed of a professional career in the J. League himself, this role brings things full circle: "I never thought that as an actor, I would one day be involved in a soccer project."
Producer Shinzo Matsuhashi expressed more than satisfaction with the casting in his comments, stating that the three actors were irreplaceable for their roles. He particularly praised K for an impressive performance in capturing Nagi's reserved yet complex personality: "He carefully expressed the subtle emotional nuances." Regarding the trio, he was certain: "If these three weren't great, 'Blue Lock' wouldn't work!"
The film is based on the manga of the same name by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura, which revolves around the ruthless "Blue Lock" project designed to produce Japan's best striker. The film is directed by Yusuke Taki, with the screenplay by Tetsuo Kamata. "Blue Lock" is scheduled to open in Japanese theaters on August 7, 2026.
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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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