Anji Ikehata is officially set to star as Hikari Wanda in the upcoming Wandance live-action film



Meet the New Hikari Wanda: The Wandance Live-Action Film Finds Its Star

The anticipation for the upcoming Wandance live-action adaptation just hit a new high. Today, the production team dropped some major news: rising star Anji Ikehata has been tapped to play the iconic heroine, Hikari Wanda. Along with the casting reveal, fans got their first look at her character through a fresh visual and a short video clip showcasing her in action.

Who is Anji Ikehata?

If the name sounds familiar, you’ve likely seen her popping up on your screen recently. Ikehata got her start as a fashion model after winning the top prize at the Nicola magazine auditions back in 2021. Since then, she’s been building a solid resume, from her acting debut in Old Rookie to lending her voice to Lonely Castle in the Mirror. Most recently, she charmed audiences as Kiyoko Yoshida in the live-action Yano-kun’s Ordinary Days.

Ikehata didn't hold back when talking about the new role. She admitted that landing the part was an emotional moment, saying, "I broke down in tears when I heard the result of the audition." She’s clearly committed to the project, noting that she’s treated every scene with immense care and respect for the original manga. She’s especially hyped for fans to see the dance sequences, hoping the film captures that raw, wordless joy that makes the story so special.

What We Know About the Movie

The film, which is slated to hit Japanese theaters on November 27, 2026, is shaping up to be quite the production. Directed by Naoya Kusaba with a script from Keiichi Kobayashi, the project is bringing in heavy hitters to make sure the movement feels authentic—none other than Charisma Kantaro is on board as the dance supervisor.

Ikehata will be starring alongside &TEAM’s JO, who is taking on the role of the protagonist, Kaboku "Kabo" Kotani. This is a big milestone for the musician, as it marks his official film debut and his first time leading a feature project.

Why Wandance is Special

For those who need a refresher, Coffee’s Wandance manga has been a staple in Monthly Afternoon since 2019. It’s a beautiful, coming-of-age story about Kaboku, a shy teen who struggles with a stutter and spends most of his high school life trying to stay invisible. That is, until he catches a glimpse of Wanda dancing with total, uninhibited freedom. That one moment changes everything for him, pushing him to step out of his comfort zone and join the dance club.

Whether you’re already a fan of the manga or caught the 12-episode anime adaptation from MADHOUSE and CYCLONE GRAPHICS, this live-action film is definitely one to keep on your radar. November 2026 feels like a long way off, but with this cast, the wait might just be worth it.

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