Ren Nagase of King & Prince and Ai Yoshikawa will co-star in the live-action film, which is set to premiere in 2026.
A big-screen adaptation of the hit light novel and manga series ‘Oni no Hanayome’ (The Ogre’s Bride), an acclaimed Japanese-style romantic fantasy story, has been announced. The film will star Ren Nagase in his first leading role in a pure romance film, and the actress Ai Yoshikawa. The release is scheduled for 27 March 2026.
The original work, written by Kureha, has captivated millions of readers, with cumulative circulation exceeding 5.8 million copies (including the comic version). It is acclaimed for its classic plot and the male protagonist’s ‘overwhelming love,’ establishing itself as one of the most popular series of its genre in the current era.
Synopsis: The Ogre’s bride
The story takes place in a world where Ayakashi (supernatural beings or spirits) and humans coexist. Ayakashi are beings of exceptional beauty and skill who, on occasion, choose a human bride. For them, this partner is unique, and once they find her, they devote their love to her for the rest of their lives.
The protagonist is Yuzu Shinonome (played by Ai Yoshikawa), a university student who has been mistreated and deprived of affection by her own family. Her life takes a radical turn when she encounters the pinnacle of Ayakashi power.
Reiya Kiryūin (played by Ren Nagase), the charismatic and sublime heir to the Oni clan, looks at her and says, ‘I found you, my bride—’. This encounter marks the beginning of an epic destiny and a passionate romance that will change both their lives.
The series will be directed by Chihiro Ikeda, renowned for her work on acclaimed series such as “Omameda Towako and Her Three Ex-Husbands/ Ōmame da Towako to Sannin no Moto-o“. The producers have stated that Ren Nagase was the only choice for Reiya, due to her beauty and the way he has managed to express the character’s hidden loneliness, while Ai Yoshikawa was the ideal choice for Yuzu, due to her ability to show her strong side and her desire to protect Reiya, beyond her vulnerability.
A first poster has been revealed that captures the emotion of the story: in the rain, the powerful Reiya extends an umbrella towards Yuzu, who is in despair, symbolising the moment when the light of her destiny begins to shine.
Cast and staff comments
Ren Nagase
This is my first time to play the lead role in such a straightforward love story. I was a little nervous when I was chosen to appear, but I was very happy to be given the role of Reiya. I am looking forward to seeing how this unique setting of a love story between a demon and a human will be portrayed. I was
working with Director Ikeda every day during filming, exploring the balance of Reiya‘s slightly heavy love for Yuzu. I think that everything from the costumes, make-up, art and location, as well as the changes in the love and relationship between the two, make this a wonderful production that allows you to immerse yourself in the world of “The Demon’s Bride.” Please look forward to the release
Ai Yoshikawa
When I received the script, I was excited to see how this strange world where spirits are a given would be portrayed, and what the costumes would be like. Yuzu-chan has a fragility that I don’t have (laughs), so I spent every day trying to figure out how to express and convey that fragility. Also, despite her sad circumstances, she is a girl who cares about her family and has a strong core, so I carefully discussed both sides of her character with the director while playing her. I worked hard with the wonderful cast, so please do check it out!
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