Throughout its recent lifespan, HBO Max has introduced a plethora of original content to its service. This selection includes original series such asOur Flag Means Death,Station Eleven,Raised By Wolves, and DC-associated series likePeacemaker. HBO has shown no signs of slowing down its progress, as Japan-set crime seriesTokyo Viceis slated to begin streaming on the service this April. Now, the thriller starringBaby Driveractor Ansel Elgort andPokémon Detective Pikachu’s Ken Watanabe has released its official trailer ahead of release.
Based on the eponymous novel by Jake Adelstein,Tokyo Vicefollows a Western journalist working in Tokyo, Japan who faces off against a powerful Japanese crime boss. In addition to Elgort and Watanabe, the series features an ensemble cast that includes Rachel Keller, Ella Rumpf, Shun Sugata, and Kosuke Toyohara.
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Destin Daniel Cretton, director ofShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, has directing credits on nine ofTokyo Vice’s episodes, andHeatdirector Michael Mann produces and directs the pilot episode. The series' episode writers have written for a slew of big television shows such asBlack Sails,Ray Donovan,The Terror, and Netflix’sCowboy Bebop.
Tokyo Vicereleases at a time of renewed narrative media interest in Japan as a setting.Sony Pictures’Bullet Train, releasing this July, centers its action in the country, while smash-hit video games such asSekiro: Shadows Die TwiceandGhosts of Tsushimahave revisited the setting in unique ways. Studios have also been more eager than ever to adapt Japanese stories for film and television; Netflix, for example, is developing projects based onOne PieceandMobile Suit Gundam.
Ansel Elgort has appeared in major roles such as Caleb Prior in theDivergentfranchise, Augustus Waters inThe Fault in Our Stars, and Tony in the2021 film edition ofWest Side Story. Ken Watanabe most recently appeared inGodzilla: King of the Monsters, but is also known for his roles inInceptionandThe Last Samurai(for which he received an Academy Award nomination). Watanabe is also an accomplished stage actor, having received a Tony award for his role inThe King & I.
Tokyo Viceas a whole has the makings of a compelling nail-biting crime thriller. Here’s hoping viewers give it a chance!
