Interview with Ryosuke Yamada, Edward Elric at Anime Expo 2017

©Photo courtesy of Jellyfish Tears

Los Angeles, CA (July 5, 2017) - Ryosuke Yamada arrived in the United States for the first time visiting Anime Expo 2017. In his press conference, he expressed putting in effort in his scenes with a CGI Alphonse in the live action movie. This film includes a blend of live action with CGI together to create the world of Fullmetal Alchemist. Accompanied by Director Sori Fumihiko, they were asked questions ranging from personal to certain aspects of the film. When asked how Ryosuke related to his role as Edward, he expressed similarities between himself and Edward Elric because they are being short compared to others and being judged at first glance. He admitted that he is outgoing even though everyone around him thinks as a shy introverted person. Ryosuke and Director Fumihiko said they were excited to be a part of the live action even though there is already two anime adaptations. December 1, 2017 is the official Japanese release in theaters, however, an international release date is still unknown. Ryosuke was asked what his memorable memory when filming the live action. He said, "It's not just one thing per say and I want everything a certain way and that is memorable...". The same question was posed to the Director Fumihiko as well, his response "There was a scene where he [Ryosuke] had to jump from a really high place and the stunt double did the jump and it didn't go as well. So I asked if he [Ryosuke] need preparation and he said no and did the jump in one take."

©Photo courtesy of Jellyfish Tears

Below is a transcript of other questions asked and Ryosuke's responses.

During the Fullmetal Alchemist Live Action panel, was the reaction from the crowd different then in Japan?

"The American fans are different than the Japanese ones, being that they are quiet or shy, and seeing the reactions of the fans really made me feel like I did good as the part. It is my first time overseas." How different was it playing Edward Elric than Nagisa Shiota from Assassination Classroom, being they both had CGI characters?

"They are both from manga and they are such polar opposites and Ed is more manlier so I never compared the two before." If you could perform equivalent exchange for a body part, what would it be?

"[Laughing at the question] I would exchange meat so this film will be successful when it's released" Being an idol, singer and actor, do you plan on acting in other films and how do you handle all three?

"I do want to continue to do all 3 of those things and I'm grateful that my 9 group members are supportive of me. And it's all about timing. The director wanted to make this film because it resonates with so many people and the anime has so much philosophy and so I wanted to make this movie to bring in new fans and continue on this great story." How does it feel to know that you have international fans and are known world wide?

It makes me very happy and I have toured Asia many many times and this is my first time in America for something like this.

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We hope fans will enjoy the movie when it releases in December of this year.