Lead Role Announced for Chainsaw Man Stage Play "Reze Arc": First Trailer Released!
Exciting news for Chainsaw Man fans! One of the series' most beloved and emotionally profound chapters, the Reze Arc (Bomb Girl Arc), is preparing to hit the stage as a live-action play. According to the official announcement, young actress Yui Soma will bring the highly anticipated Reze character to life. Naotake Tsuchiya, who received great acclaim for his performance in the first play, will return to the stage as Denji. The first teaser video released already showcases the visual ambition of bringing the manga's iconic scenes to the stage.
This new production serves as a sequel to the highly successful Chainsaw Man the Stage play performed in 2023. The stage play will meet audiences in Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan, in July and August 2026. Fumiya Matsuzaki, known for his work on the Banana Fish stage adaptation, returns as director and screenwriter. Furthermore, the return of names like Shunsuke Wada for music and HIDALI for choreography signals that the chaotic and energetic atmosphere of the first play will be maintained.
The Reze Arc holds a very special place for fans of the series. Denji's relationship with the mysterious and charming Reze, who enters his life, contains deep romance and tragedy alongside the action. The popularity of this arc is so high that the Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze-hen anime film, released in 2025, broke records at the Japanese box office and grossed over $174 million worldwide. The fact that the stage adaptation follows this success proves once again the impact the character and story have on fans.
Created by Tatsuki Fujimoto, Chainsaw Man has been considered one of the most extraordinary works of modern manga since its debut in 2018. These stage plays, known in Japan as "2.5D Musicals" which combine the spirit of manga with live performance, have now become an inseparable part of the anime industry. Fans are now eagerly waiting to see how Reze's explosive powers and those famous school scenes with Denji will turn into a visual feast on stage. The cast will also see the return of Mizuki Umetsu as Aki Hayakawa, Mahiru Coda as Power, and Aya Hirano as Makima.
