The biological world of Cells at Work! is set to undergo a dramatic transformation, with a newly announced kabuki stage play scheduled to debut in April 2027. Taking place at the prestigious Shinbashi Enbujō in Tokyo, the production is being billed as a "scramble kabuki" play—a unique format that integrates classic kabuki performers alongside actors from other disciplines to bridge the gap between traditional and modern entertainment.
Kensuke Yokouchi has been tapped to write and direct the adaptation. The production features Ainosuke Kataoka in the lead role of White Blood Cell, a character he previously portrayed in the 2024 live-action film. He will be joined by a diverse cast including Kazutarō Nakamura, Ryoga Ishikawa, Mandy Sekiguchi, and Ichikawa Chusha.
This theatrical pivot follows a massive run for the franchise, which began with Akane Shimizu’s 2015 manga series. Beyond the original anime and its various spin-offs, the property saw significant success with its live-action film adaptation, which topped the Japanese box office in late 2024. With this new stage production, the series continues its trend of experimental adaptations, bringing the microscopic struggle for bodily health to the historic stage.
