The live-action drama "Attack on Titan: Attackontitan: Wolf Smoke", adapted from Isayama's original work, has officially met the audience on August 15. This work is quite different from the original, and Yuta Hiraoka, who played the original role of Juzuru, expressed his opinion to the media.

■ I want to try something that can only be done in the live-action version

Q: In this work, Mr. Hiraoka played the most crucial character in the live-action version. So what was your state of mind when you decided to star?

Hiraoka: Oh, I'm just having fun anyway! When I first heard that there was a movie version, no one asked me to play it (laughs), so I was very disappointed. And this time I was called to act in a live-action drama, so I was naturally happy.

Q: All in all, this is an original character. It's harder to think about when creating a character.

Hiraoka: This live-action drama is a sequel about a plot that is not portrayed in the movie, and the story itself is based on the original content. Therefore, although Juhe is an original character, he can still feel the "aura" of the original characters and plot from him. I've always liked the original, and I've been watching it before, so maybe it's easier to create a character.

Q: At the end of the day, all works are based on manga and anime, so is Mr. Hiraoka the type of person who takes on challenges by carefully analyzing the original characters?

Hiraoka: There is some kind of Cheng dù on the analysis. But if you put it into reality, there are still some things that can't be done physically. For example, in "The Hand of God: Teru" (Hiraoka's 2009 starring work), in the original work, Karu only has gold bangs, but in the TV series, it looks different...... So in this regard, the only way to do this is to fully try what only the live-action version can do.

Q: In that case, what is it worth "trying" about Attack on Titan?

Hiraoka: As for the reaction. After reading the original work, I thought it was funny, and the reason why I found it interesting was the reaction when I saw the giant. Anyway, the contrast is very strong. From my point of view as a reader, there is something personal and interesting about the giants. But for the humans of that world, this is a very threatening existence. If you encounter a giant, you will feel hopeless. And rightfully so, and I'm impressed by that. So, I wanted to challenge this role with the reaction I should have when facing giants.

Q: Juhe, who played this time, is a character who doesn't usually come into contact with giants, so the acting skills of the scene where he encountered giants are worth looking forward to.

Hiraoka: That's right. Jutsuru belonged to the managers who financed the equipment and weapons for the expulsion of the giants, that is to say the "elite" who did not understand the situation on the ground. So in this live-action drama, how will he react when he comes into contact with giants? When I reacted, I deliberately thought, "That's how the original work feels," and then I put on a performance. …… But I feel like I'm overexerting myself (laughs).

Q: In other words, is there a value that makes you work so hard?

Hiraoka: When I was reading the script, I thought this character was a little incredible? Anyway, it's a more difficult character to understand. So I thought about standing in a different position to perform. Therefore, the degree of freedom may be very high. Because of this, I think it's worth it, but I also think I can do a little better.

Q: So, let's talk about the story of the shooting site. At the previous press conference for this work, you said, "The setting is great."

Hiraoka: Yes, it's really impressive! When I entered the set, I felt like a world of decay. So, a lot of work has really been put into the setting. I felt the persistence of the staff, and it was easier for me to put my emotions into the role.

Q: The scene was very good. In addition, the production zuò side has also gathered a group of actors with rich experience.

Hiraoka: That's right. It made me feel very relaxed. In particular, Satomi-chan and I (Satomi Ishihara/Han Yoshi-to-go) are always talking about shopping (laughs). At that time, I was hooked on shopping, so I introduced each other to recommended products. I remember introducing myself to a toothbrush (laughs).

Q: (laughs). But this time, the live-action drama is a different director. And in order to meet the requirements of each director, I'm afraid it's also very difficult......?

Hiraoka: I'm thinking I'll leave it to the director. After all, I'm not trying to be too strong. You can feel different kinds of fun from different directors, so it would be nice if everyone could watch it with anticipation.

Q: Speaking of the highlights of the work, it is naturally a three-dimensional mobile device. If you ask too much, you're involved in spoilers...... But anyway, it's time to fly!

Hiraoka: Yes! I actually tried to fly with it, and it was very difficult. Especially moving with body weight. Having to twist your body constantly in the air was more difficult to control than I thought. For this reason, there are some plots that need to be handled by CG, and it is very difficult to do actions in front of opponents who cannot be seen. I remember trying it over and over again......

■Actually, my younger brother likes to watch anime

Q: Speaking of which, what would Mr. Hiraoka think if he faced off against giants in that world?

Hiraoka: Hey~! Is it really in that environment? …… Oh, there's no body dead (laughs).

Q: In other words, you are in the middle of the people who are being eaten. Don't you want to join the Survey Corps?

Hiraoka: Impossible! I must have been eaten at once as an ordinary citizen. But I don't want to have one foot left or something~ If you want to eat it, eat me whole (laughs). But it's better to be a nobleman and live in an environment that has nothing to do with giants.

Q: That's an unexpected answer (laughs). Let's change the subject a little bit and if there's a favorite anime you like, please tell us about it.

Hiraoka: Huh? Sure enough, it's still "Neon Genesis Evangelion", right? I remember watching TV anime when I was in elementary school or junior high school, but to be honest, I didn't understand what it was talking about at the time. But when I grew up, I looked at it and found that there was a lot of content added to it, such as creation and the world situation. So it's fun to watch...... To be honest, my brother is a big fan of anime.

Q: Oh, that's it!

Hiraoka: Actually, when I went back to my hometown, I noticed that he had been watching anime. And the house is full of animated posters, and every time I go home, I am shocked. I don't know much about anime, so I don't know what it is, but I've posted a lot of it (laughs). I was very concerned about this, so I asked him a lot of things, and then secretly read comics in his room. But I don't remember the name of the work now (laughs).

Q: (laughs). If you remember, please tell us! So in closing, a few words for the readers.

Hiraoka: No problem. I think everyone has basically watched Attack on Titan, but in the live-action version, we will show more three-dimensional and detailed content, which should satisfy everyone. I think the charm of the live-action version is that "the three-dimensional motorized device is bigger than you think!" "If you don't have such a big thing, you can't fight the giants" and other "real textures". So I hope you can watch it attentively.