Daisuke Ono at the Premiere of 'Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic'

The stage greeting event for the premiere of the anime movie Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic (Kuroshitsuji: Book of The Atlantic) was held at Tokyo Shinjuku Wald 9 on January 21. The special guests who appeared on stage were Daisuke Ono (Sebastian), Maaya Sakamoto (Ciel) and Junichi Suwabe (Undertaker).

‘Black Butler: The Book of the Atlantic’ Voice Cast: Daisuke Ono (Sebastian), Maaya Sakamoto (Ciel) and Junichi Suwabe (Undertaker).

Ono commented on what made the movie great, ‘I think it’s a pretty diversified work that doesn’t just pursue the distinctive genre of Gothic Lolita, but also incorporates a wide variety of different kinds of entertainment like action, comedy, suspense and horror.’ Then, Suwabe urged Ono on while whispering the words ‘jewelry box, jewelry box’. Although a little confused, Ono managed to answer Suwabe’s sudden request by saying ‘…It’s just like a jewelry box!’ in reference to the catchphrase from the Japanese gourmet reporter, Hikomaro. The entire venue erupted into laughter as well as a thunderous applause.

Suwabe also shared his thoughts on Black Butler, ‘It goes without saying that the work is visually very beautiful. However, in contrast, the work vividly portrays the complicated aspects of people such as karma and pathos’. He then added, ‘There are many episodes in which I can feel not just beautiful sides but also mentally deep sides. I think that’s one of Black Butler‘s intriguing points.’

Daisuke Ono

Sakamoto also revealed her feelings about the TV anime series Black Butler that was launched in 2008, ‘It was just a really tough experience. I had never voiced a boy before and I was under a lot of pressure since I’d heard that both the original work and Ciel were super popular.’ Then, Suwabe said, ‘At first, I had no idea how I should approach Undertaker. Since I learned about Undertaker’s position and background from Ms. Yana Toboso, I could tackle my role with no concerns. Undertaker will play a large role in the movie. I’m really honored to be here today.’

Ono said that ever since he read the Luxurious Liner Arc of the manga, he had been really eager to work on it, ‘This arc is just the right fit for the big screen so I thought maybe this one was intentionally saved to be a movie adaptation. Since I couldn’t fully infuse my burning passion into Sebastian before, it was like I kept on doing subtraction instead of addition. But this time, I was told by both the director Abe and Ms. Toboso that I no longer needed to hold anything back as I played him, so this time I will just take a full swing!’

Maaya Sakamoto

Sakamoto reflected on the time when she first heard of the movie’s production, ‘I was so happy to hear it. I was indeed under a lot of stress in the first season, but over time as I continued to try, I could deepen my understanding of Ciel, so I was very delighted to get another chance!’

She also emphasized on why this arc was the best suited to be a movie, ‘There is an interesting scene that will surprise even the fans. Besides, as there will be a variety of characters showing up, even beginners can understand what Black Butler really is just by watching this perfectly comprehensive movie.’

In the end, Ono referred to the movie as the ‘culmination of everything Black Butler is’ and conveyed to the audience his passionate message, ‘Although, it’s a kind of culmination of what Black Butler stands for, the original manga series has celebrated its 10th anniversary and I strongly hope that it will celebrate another anniversary 10 years in the future. In order for the work to achieve that goal, it requires everyone’s energy; just like the essential relationship between a butler and his master.’

Junichi Suwabe

He then added, ‘The movie is packed with lots of wonderful entertainment that will definitely please everyone.’ He concluded his talk with the phrase, ‘It’s my job to please everyone’ in his character Sebastian’s voice.

The movie Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic covers the Luxury Liner Arc (depicted in volumes 11-14 of the manga) and was released on January 21, 2017. The movie features the turmoil on the luxury liner Campania and revolves around a secret that has to do with the resurrection of the dead.

Anime Movie ‘Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic’

Now playing in theaters across Japan

Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic Anime Movie Key Visual

(C)Yana Toboso/SQUARE ENIX,Project Atlantic
Image Taken From Twitter

Staff

Original Creator: Yana Toboso (serialized in Square Enix’s Monthly G Fantasy)
Director: Noriyuki Abe
Script: Hiroyuki Yoshino
Character Designer/ Chief Illustration Director: Minako Shiba
Music: Yasunori Mitsuda
Production: A-1 Pictures
Distribution: ANIPLEX

Cast

Sebastian: Daisuke Ono
Ciel: Maaya Sakamoto
Elizabeth Midford: Yukari Tamura
Undertaker: Junichi Suwabe
Grell: Jun Fukuyama
Ronald: KENN
William T Spears: Noriaki Sugiyama
Snake: Takuma Terashima
Baldroy: Hiroki Touchi
Finnian: Yuki Kaji
Mey-Rin: Emiri Kato
Charles Grey: Ryohei Kimura
Charles Phipps: Tomoaki Maeno
Edward Midford: Seiichiro Yamashita
Frances Midford: Atsuko Tanaka
Alexis Midford: Joji Nakata
Viscount of Druitt: Tatsuhisa Suzuki
Ryan Stoker: Kaito Ishikawa