Netflix recently unwrapped a double treat for lovers of the action genre: the live-action adaptation of Yu Yu Hakusho starring Takumi Kitamura and the epic sci-fi film Rebel Moon — Part 1: A Child of Fire, written, produced and directed by Zack Snyder.

Earlier this month, Snyder was in Tokyo to promote his latest film. During his trip, he met up with Kitamura in an iconic location Zojoji temple standing next to Tokyo Tower to discuss each other’s work. Rebel Moon — Part 1: A Child of Fire, the first of two installments, chronicles a revenge plot against a tyrannical empire, set in a visually stunning galaxy far away. Yu Yu Hakusho, a live-action manga adaptation of a spirit detective fighting demons, shot to the top of Netflix Weekly Global Top 10 Non-English TV List with 7.7M views, making it the biggest global debut of a Japanese series ever.

“Rebel Moon was truly amazing down to the smallest details. The planets, and the way the universe was depicted was truly beautiful right to the end,” Kitamura shared. Snyder also praised Kitamura’s performance, saying, “The role of a reluctant hero is difficult. I think you did an incredible job of being a bad boy with a heart.”

Diving into themes of justice, heart and action

Both Rebel Moon and Yu Yu Hakusho heavily lean on the theme of justice, and Kitamura drew parallels between the two titles—do heroes really exist? “Yusuke wasn't trying to become a hero. But when he stuck to his own sense of justice, he became a hero to some and an enemy to others. I see that in Rebel Moon, too. A sense of justice exists for both heroes and villains, which is why a battle can happen.” he said.

The pair also unpacked what it was like to film the action sequences. For Kitamura, the only way he could get a good take was if his emotions were in sync with every punch or kick.

Snyder echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how important it is for actors to feel their characters’ emotions, not just rehearse the fight scenes. “It’s one thing to learn the choreography, but it’s another thing to learn the intent. Where are you emotionally in each moment? These are the things that are hard to hit,” he mused. “It’s a rare gift that obviously both you and Sofia Boutella (Rebel Moon) have.”

Watch the full conversation between Zack Synder and Takumi Kitamura below.

Rebel Moon — Part 1: A Child of Fire and Yu Yu Hakusho are now streaming exclusively on Netflix.

Rebel Moon — Part One: A Child of Fire

Director: Zack Snyder
Screenplay: Zack Snyder, Kurt Johnstad, Shay Hatten
Story: Zack Snyder
Producer: Deborah Snyder, p.g.a.; Eric Newman, p.g.a.; Zack Snyder, p.g.a.; Wesley Coller, p.g.a.
Cast: Sofia Boutella (Kora), Djimon Hounsou (Titus), Ed Skrein (Atticus Noble), Michiel Huisman (Gunnar), Doona Bae (Nemesis), Ray Fisher (Darian Bloodaxe), with Charlie Hunnam (Kai), and Anthony Hopkins (as the voice of “Jimmy”)
https://www.netflix.com/title/81464239

Yu Yu Hakusho

Based on the manga : Yoshihiro Togashi “Yu Yu Hakusho” (Shueisha Jump Comics)
Director: Sho Tsukikawa
Cast: Takumi Kitamura, Jun Shison, Kanata Hongo, Shuhei Uesugi, Sei Shiraishi, Kotone Furukawa, Ai Mikami, Hiroya Shimizu, Keita Machida, Meiko Kaji, Kenichi Takitoh, Goro Inagaki, Go Ayano
Screenplay: Tatsuro Mishima
VFX Supervisor: Ryo Sakaguchi (Scanline VFX)
Executive Producer: Kaata Sakamoto (Netflix)
Producer: Akira Morii
In Association with：THE SEVEN
Production: ROBOT
Produced by: Netflix
https://www.netflix.com/title/81243969