Magic meets muscle as Japanese-American actor Mackenyu Maeda steps into the shoes of Mash Burnedead in the live-action film Mashle: Magic and Muscles, a Japanese adventure-comedy fantasy manga and anime series. The first teaser trailer and visual have landed, giving fans a glimpse of the actor as the muscle-bound hero who takes on a world ruled by magic.
The film, based on Hajime Komoto’s manga, is scheduled to release in Japan on 19 March 2027. Yuichi Fukuda, known for his live-action adaptations of Gintama, will direct.
Maeda, the eldest son of actor Shinichi Chiba, has previously appeared in manga-based live-action films, including Chihayafuru as Arata Wataya, Fullmetal Alchemist as Scar and Knights of the Zodiac as Seiya.
Speaking about the role, actor Maeda stated, “Having thoroughly enjoyed Mashle: Magic and Muscles myself, I went into filming with the desire to bring that same level of entertainment to the live-action adaptation. As the maximum preparation I could do, I spent three years from the day I received the offer developing a convincing physique that fans would approve of. I really hope you will check out the results on the big screen in theaters.”
Mashle: Magic and Muscles director Fukuda shared, “Starting with Macken, I was able to approach this film with what I consider to be the best possible cast currently imaginable. It was my first time working with almost all of the cast members, making every day a fresh and amazingly fun shoot! I really can’t wait for it to be released.”
The original Mashle: Magic and Muscles manga ran in Weekly Shonen Jump from January 2020 to July 2023, spanning 18 volumes. Its anime adaptation premiered in 2023, followed by a second season in 2024. The third season, titled Mashle: Magic and Muscles The Tri-Magicathlon Divine Visionary Final Exam Arc, is scheduled to premiere in January 2027.
Set in a world where magical ability determines social standing, the story follows Mash, a young man born without magic who relies on brute strength to take on the wizarding establishment. His goal is to become a divine visionary, an elite magician, using nothing but his muscles.
