The 2012 "Rurouni Kenshin" live action Japanese film was such a worldwide success that two sequels have been made and will be released in quick succession this year. "Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Takai-hen (Kyoto Inferno)" will open on August 1, followed by "Rurouni Kenshin: Densetsu no Saigo-hen (The Legend Ends)" on September 13.

Nobuhiro Watasuki's tale of Samurai redemption started out in comic books and was later popularized in an anime series. The success of the 2012 live action film gave birth to the producers' confidence to go ahead with not one, but two sequels to come out only a month apart from each other

The latest trailer and movie poster has been released for the sequels with subtitles available in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish and French. The poster was also recently unveiled.

"Lupin III" was the first anime that was able to successfully transition into a live action film but the reception to the first "Rurouni Kenshin" film and the anticipation for the upcoming sequels might see this franchise break records

Kenshin HImura, played once again by Takeru Sato is a physically and emotionally scarred Samurai warrior, who has taken a vow to never kill again. However, evil forces abound and the film's Antagonist, Makoto Shishio, pushes him to the limits of his commitment. The bandage-covered Shishio is portrayed by actor Tatsuya Fujiwara. Who has starred in live-action versions of "Death Note" and "Kaiji."

The second opponent in the films will be in the person of cold and cunning Aoshi Shinomori played by Yusuke Iseya, who is also a veteran of live action films after appearing in "Kaiji 2," "Ashita no Joe" and "Honey and Clover."

The sequels will feature the return of the following cast members:

  • Takeru Satoh as Kenshin Himura
  • Emi Takei as Kaoru Kamiya
  • Munetaka Aoki as Sanosuke Sagara
  • Yuu Aoi asMegumi Takani
  • Yosuke Eguchi as Hajime Saitō

Watch the new trailer here: