Takako Matsu previously played the role of the leading lady in HERO, where Takuya Kimura (41) plays an unorthodox prosecutor, in both the 2001 series and the 2007 movie, but passes on the title to Kitagawa this time around.
"Kimura and Kitagawa have already been together in a Monday-9 drama 4 years ago, in Tsuki no Koibito, so they're already familiar with each other. Kitagawa said that she didn't watch too much TV 13 years ago because she was busy with her high school entrance exam studies, but watched HERO religiously. She's actually happy to be part of this production." - (Fuji TV staff)
But there are also some concerns about this, as her previous project Akumu-chan The Mu-vie was a huge flop.
"One of the biggest reasons for this is that it got crushed by the mega hit Frozen. Despite all the efforts they put into promoting the movie by casting Momoioro Clover and making Keiko Kitagawa join them in a time-exclusive unit "Kimo-Kuro Z", the movie still didn't do too well. Though you still cannot deny that Frozen had a hand in the results, Kitagawa has now been branded as 'an actress who cannot make people come see her at the movie house'." - (movie industry insider)
Kitagawa has already emerged into a star from her generation of young actresses, and is said that she potentially has 8.3% of ratings with her. But she was at 10.5% a year ago, so there's also this feeling that she's already past her prime.
"Actually, other TV networks and competing agencies are kinda hoping that Kitagawa brings with her that 'bad luck' of her flopped movie when she does HERO." - (showbiz production representative)
And it is also said that this drama with KimuTaku will have bearing on Kitagawa's future.
"Even Kimutaku, Mr. Ratings himself, hasn't been able to get the numbers recently. His drama Ando Lloyd on TBS last year averaged 12.78%. This is a remake of a mega hit drama, so the passing mark will be about 18%."
And if this drama flops, there's the danger that Kitagawa will be turned into the scapegoat.
"They say that this is the reason why Takako Matsu turned down the role, but it's not a rarity where they blame the actress when KimuTaku and other Johnny's talents dramas have bad ratings. When this doesn't do well, we can already see how people will start saying 'If only Matsu played the role instead...'. Kitagawa's actually been placed in a pretty tight spot."
Will they be able to produce a hit that has the ability to do away with all these doubts and concerns? People will now switch focus to Kitagawa's acting, as well as the drama's ratings.
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