In a bold move that is sure to stir up controversy among fans of Japanese manga and anime, Netflix announced on Friday that they will be producing a live-action series based on the popular manga “Kakegurui – Compulsive Gambler” titled ‘Bet’. What sets this adaptation apart from others is that it will feature a race-swapped cast, with the originally Japanese characters being portrayed by actors of different ethnic backgrounds.
The original manga, written and illustrated by Homura Kawamoto and Toru Naomura, tells the story of a prestigious private academy where the students are divided into two groups: the high rollers who excel at gambling and the lowly “housepets” who serve them. The series follows the mysterious transfer student Yumeko Jabami as she navigates the dangerous world of high-stakes gambling, where the consequences of losing can be life-changing.
While many fans of the manga are excited to see their favorite characters come to life on screen, the announcement of a race-swapped adaptation has sparked heated debate on social media. Some argue that the casting choice is a positive step towards diversity and representation in media, while others feel that it is disrespectful to the original source material.
Netflix has not yet announced the cast for ‘Bet’, but they have stated that they are committed to finding actors who will bring authenticity and depth to the characters. The series will be produced in collaboration with Endemol Shine North America, the same production company behind the hit reality show “Big Brother”.
In a statement, Netflix’s Head of Original Programming, Jennifer Bresnan, said, “We are thrilled to be bringing ‘Kakegurui – Compulsive Gambler’ to life in a live-action format. The intense drama and high-stakes gambling in the series make it a perfect fit for our platform, and we look forward to introducing this unique world to a global audience.”
Despite the controversy surrounding the casting choices, many fans of the manga are eager to see how the adaptation will unfold. With the success of recent live-action adaptations of anime and manga such as “Death Note” and “Fullmetal Alchemist”, ‘Bet’ will undoubtedly be a series to keep an eye on. Stay tuned for more updates on casting announcements and production details as they become available.
