Sanjuro remake in the works

Toshiro Mifune in the original “Sanjuro” 

Ryuganji is reporting that a remake Akira Kurosawa’s classic film, “Sanjuro“, will be hitting Japanese theaters next year:

Kurosawa Akira’s 1962 classic “Sanjuro” (Tsubaki Sanjuro) is to be remade with “Bayside Shakedown” star Oda Yuji (38) taking over the role synonymous with Mifune Toshiro, with “Kazoku Game” and “The Mamiya Brothers” director Morita Yoshimitsu (56) at the helm and Kadokawa Haruki (64) producing.

This will be the first time that one of Kurosawa’s films has been remade in Japan. According to distributor Toho, the Kadokawa Haruki Corporation bought the remake rights for “Yojimbo” and “Sanjuro” from Kurosawa Productions for 300 million yen in May last year. Director Morita put himself forward to direct the latter film, suggesting that the remake remain true to the original but with a more pronounced comic touch, and also recommended Oda for the lead role.

So, will Yuji Oda be growing some facial hair for his role in the new film?  Or will he get a little help via hair for life?  Or maybe the director will go for a hip new look, dying his Oda’s hair blonde and having a pop music soundtrack?