Netflix is venturing into new territory with the production of an American live-action adaptation of the popular Japanese manga series Kakegurui. Instead of retaining the original name, the platform has opted for a succinct title, “BET,” hinting at the central theme of high-stakes gambling that drives the series’ plot.
The production is being overseen by Simon Barry, who will serve as an executive producer, and is in collaboration with Boat Rocker Media. With a planned roster of ten episodes, the adaptation has already entered the filming stage in the city of Toronto, indicating that fans won’t have to wait too long before they can binge-watch the series on Netflix.
Fans of the franchise will recognize Kakegurui as a thrilling tale that was first introduced in the Gangan Joker magazine in 2014. The gripping narrative soon transitioned from page to screen, with anime adaptations released in 2017 and a follow-up season in 2019. The universe expanded with a spinoff manga titled Kakegurui Twin, which hit the shelves in 2018.
Previously, Netflix aired a live-action Kakegurui series in 2018 featuring Minami Hamabe and an all-Japanese cast. The upcoming American iteration, however, will feature a diverse ensemble, potentially bringing new depth and perspectives to the storyline. Miku Martineau is earmarked for a lead role, possibly as the reimagined version of the original protagonist, Yumeko Jabami. The cast also includes Ayo Solanke, Eve Edwards, Clara Alexandrova, Hunter Cardinal, Anwen O’Driscoll, Aviva Mongillo, and Ryan Sutherland.
The anticipation surrounding “BET” builds as the official synopsis teases a captivating narrative:
At an elite boarding school, the student body’s pecking order faces a dramatic upheaval with the arrival of Yumeko, a student from Japan shrouded in mystery. She carries a secret and possesses unparalleled gambling capabilities which draw the attention of the dominant Student Council. As Yumeko embarks on a path of vengeance, she poses a threat that could thoroughly dismantle the school’s authoritative structure.
This new project from Netflix promises to blend the intense, high-stakes action of gambling with the drama of teenage hierarchy, offering a fresh take on the Kakegurui storyline that could attract both fans of the original series and newcomers alike. With its deep dive into themes of power, risk, and strategy, “BET” has all the makings of an addictive addition to Netflix’s catalog of live-action adaptations.
