The original anime “GREAT PRETENDER” is scheduled to be broadcast on Fuji TV “+ Ultra” from Jul. 2020. In addition, the cast members, teaser visual and teaser PV have been announced.
This work is a crime story which includes the following staff; Sadamoto Yoshiyuki as character designer (known for “Neon Genesis Evangelion”), Kaburagi Hiro as director (known for “91Days”), WIT STUDIO for the animation production (known for “Attack on Titan”), and Kosawa Ryouta as scriptwriter (known for the drama “The Confidence Man JP”), who for the first time will be working for an anime series' script.
“GREAT PRETENDER” is essentially about “the strongest deception (con game)”.
The story depicts the adventure of a novice swindler named Edamura Masato, a self-proclaimed “Japan's greatest swindler”, who was tricked by a conman (swindler) and mafia leader, Laurent Thierry. From that moment, the protagonist will be involved in an incredible “con game” traveling around the world.
The main staff includes eminent members coming from various different genres; Kaburagi Hiro as director (known for “Hozuki's Coolheadedness” and “91 Days”), Kosawa Ryouta as scriptwriter (known for “Always: Sunset on Third Street” and “The Confidence Man JP”), Sadamoto Yoshiyuki as character designer (known for “Neon Genesis Evangelion” and “Summer Wars”), and WIT STUDIO for the animation production of “known for “Attack on Titan” and “Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress” ).
Regarding the voice actors, the cast includes; Kobayashi Chiaki playing Edamura Masato (Edamame), Suwabe Junichi playing Laurent Thierry, a French conman who travels around the world, Fujiwara Natsumi playing Abigail “Aby” Jones, a conman with excellent reflexes, and Sonozaki Mie playing Paula Dickins, an expert FBI investigator.
In the teaser visual and teaser PV, you can get a glimpse of their unique personality. What kind of “strongest deception (con game)” will be shown in the main story? Keep high your expectations for the broadcast.
The original anime “GREAT PRETENDER” will be broadcast on Fuji TV “+ Ultra”, BS Fuji, and other TV channels from Jul. 2020. Furthermore, a worldwide streaming broadcast will be aired exclusively on Netflix.
<Full comments are posted below>
[Edamura Masato (Edamame): Kobayashi Chiaki ]
―― About the charm of the character
Despite being a swindler, he is a young man who lives a strange life, believing in people and being sympathetic towards them. This makes him a perfect target for conmen, but in a story characterized by the continuous deceive-and-being-deceived, I think that the struggle of the character due to his honest heart is a very attractive aspect.
―― Highlights of the work
Who deceives? And how much is he/she telling the truth!?
Each time the script is handed over to the cast, everyone of the team shouts with excitement. There is no doubt you will be able enjoy this delicately created scenario, regardless of age or gender. Prepare yourself to enjoy the collection expected to remain in the history of anime!
[Laurent Thierry: Suwabe Junichi ]
―― About the charm of the character
As the actor who played him, I think it's pretty hard to say an objective opinion about his charm.
For now, enjoy the anime! But can you judge him by his appearance? Or … (laugh).
―― Highlights of the work
I think it would be less interesting if we talked about it, so just enjoy watching the series! I think it's definitely a worthwhile piece of work! I'll say it again. A series worth watching!
[Abigail “Aby” Jones: Fujiwara Natsumi ]
―― About the charm of the character
When deceiving someone, it is an attractive aspect to be able to disguise myself as a different character every time in order to get into the target's pocket. And yet, despite looking like a cool girl, she's used to eating heartily and her physical abilities are terrible, a gap that I love. She was very fun to play.
―― Highlights of the work
Anyway, each episode is a very dense story. While the characters deceive and are being deceived, at the same time, there are many moments when we, as actors, feel deceived in a good way. I hope that everyone will be able to enjoy that moment watching the series!
[Paula Dickins role: Sonozaki Mie]
―― About the charm of the character
Paula Dickins is a very skilled FBI special investigator. I feel refreshing playing her character due to her cool, shy, and impressive personality admired by the local LAPD and the Mafia Family. What kind of battle will be unfolded? Look forward to it!
―― Highlights of the work
The colorful and stylish screen will attract your eyes first.
And the plot gradually unfolding is like watching a movie!
You will be surely wondering if there will be a sequel to Laurent's deceptive techniques and Edamura's kindness.
TV anime “GREAT PRETENDER” Production Overview
Edamura Masato, a novice swindler.
Challenge the strongest deception (con game)!!
(C) WIT STUDIO / Great Pretenders