Toma Ikuta to star in "The Tale of Genji" movie adaptation

Actor Toma Ikuta has been
chosen to star as Hikaru Genji
in a new movie adaptation of
"The Tale of Genji." The film,
tentatively titled "Genji
Monogatari," is being directed by
Yasuo Tsuruhashi ("Ai no
Rukeichi") and reportedly has a
budget of more than 1 billion
yen.
"The Tale of Genji," generally
believed to have been writtern
by noblewoman Murasaki
Shikibu during the 11th century,
is considered a classic piece of
Japanese literature. The story has
appeared in countless forms
throughout the centuries,
including theater, opera, and
film.
Ikuta was reportedly chosen for
the role by executive producer
Tsuguhiko Kadokawa while
filming was in progress for
"Ningen Shikkaku," which
opened in February. Actors who
have previously played the role
on the big screen include Kazuo
Hasegawa in 1951 and Raizo
Ichikawa in 1961. On television,
the part has also been played by
singer Kenji Sawada (62) and
Shonentai's Noriyuki Higashiyama
(43).
"Genji Monogatari" is scheduled
for release in 2011.
source: TOKYOGRAPH