KUALA LUMPUR: Primeworks Studios plans to release Japanese blockbuster film Kingdom on July 18.
The action adventure, directed by Shinsuke Sato, is produced by Sony Pictures Japan, and is an adaptation of the popular manga series of the same name.
The 12-year-old manga series created by Yasuhisa Hara and published by Shueisha is running strong with 54 volumes and has sold over 40 million copies worldwide.
Kingdom was released in Japan on April 19 and has raked in over 5 billion Yen (RM192 million). More than 3.7 million people have viewed it.
Kento Yamazaki, who starred in a three-minute short of the film which was released in 2016, reprises his role as the protagonist Shin alongside an outstanding cast that includes Ryo Yoshizawa, Masami Nagawasa, Kanna Hashimoto and Takao Osawa.
Set in China during the Warring States Period, Kingdom tells the story of an orphaned peasant boy Shin (Yamazaki) who dreams of rising from his low status as a slave by becoming a great general.
Shin has a fateful encounter with the boy destined to become the Qin Emperor, Eisei (Yoshizawa) and Eisei proves to be an important ally on Shin's journey to greatness.
Working together, the boys seek to regain Eisei's throne and unite China.
Primeworks Studios' general manager of film and drama Nor Shahila Harun Shah said: "We are excited to present Kingdom in Malaysia for manga and movie fans. It is the first time we are distributing a Japanese film and we look forward to bringing more Asian and Hollywood titles in future."
At a recent promotional visit to Singapore, Yamazaki, 24, said: "I was a fan of the manga even before I was cast in Kingdom. Landing the role as Shin was exciting and the film was challenging. There was immense pressure on me because it is a very popular, well-loved manga. Additionally, I had to undergo martial arts training and lose weight, but just like the character, I put in 100 per cent of my effort."
For the latest updates of Kingdom, visit www.facebook.com/primeworks.film.
Kingdom trailer