Mabuhay! Who’s excited to re-enter Takeshi’s Castle?
“Takeshi’s Castle” reboot is finally happening!
Video streaming platform Amazon Prime Video recently released the iconic Japanese game show in Japan and soon, it will be returning to the Philippines.
Come to the end of 2023, the reboot will drop in the country with a completely localized Filipino dub. Just as the original version is curated for Japanese culture, the local version will be dubbed with Filipino humor in mind.
“We are thrilled to bring the reboot of the iconic game show ‘Takeshi’s Castle’ to Prime Video, which fascinated audiences in the Philippines and many other countries in the 90s, transcending languages and culture barriers,” said James Farrell, Head of International Originals at Prime Video said in a statement.
“‘Takeshi’s Castle’ made millions laugh, and we can’t wait for our audiences worldwide to relive this new and reimagined comedic gem on Prime Video,” he continues.
Following the format of the original ‘80s series, the dubs won’t just be direct translations. The eight-episode reboot will refurbish the entire script to add local nuance to the show.
‘Takeshi’s Castle’ voice talent
Back in 1990, when “Takeshi’s Castle” first aired in the Philippines on IBC Channel 13, the series was dubbed by local actors Anjo Yllana and Smokey Manaloto playing Takeshi and his right-hand man Iwakura, respectively.
Their comedic spiels added local flavor to the show and only made the hit series even more enjoyable.
In 2006, “Takeshi’s Castle” had a revival in the Philippines via GMA-7’s defunct sister channel, QTV. Joey de Leon and Ryan Yllana served as hosts.
With the show’s success in the ratings game, GMA-7 decided to move the show to its main channel.
For the third incarnation of “Takeshi’s Castle,” the hosts will be three “Mariteses”—which couldn’t be more Filipino.
The neighborhood gossip queens will take over the commentary, aided by three hosts in between games. Casting for the Filipino version is yet to be announced.
“‘Takeshi’s Castle’ marked a whole generation in the Philippines. We are delighted to have some of the funniest and most iconic talents in Philippine entertainment alongside each other to bring this reboot to life.
Their participation on this show will help capture the imagination of a new generation of viewers, and delight original fans of the show,” said Erika North, Head of Originals at Prime Video, Asia-Pacific.
“Takeshi’s Castle” left a lasting mark on Filipino game shows and beyond, and its legacy has endured. Its comeback promises to be bigger than ever.
Banner Art Dani Sison
