Netflix has released the first trailer for BET, the latest live-action series inspired by the manga thriller Kakegurui. The series is scheduled to air globally from May 15, 2025. Showrunner Simon Barry, who is known for his Warrior Nunis at the helm of this project. Unlike the previous Japanese adaptation, BET developed as a global version with an extended story approach.
Story and Trailer
Story BET is set in an elite international boarding school. In this school, underground gambling is used to determine the social status of the students. One day, a mysterious transfer student with a tragic past arrives and begins to shake up the existing social system. He enters the world of high-stakes gambling, with the goal of revenge.
The first trailer features a dark and intense atmosphere, full of social conflict and psychological games. The main character, Yumeko Jabami, is played by Miku Martineau. The visual appearance in the trailer emphasizes a serious cinematic approach, different from the previous version while still maintaining the core conflict raised by Kakegurui.
Production Staff
The series is a collaborative project between Netflix and Boat Rocker Media. Simon Barry is the showrunner, writer, director, and executive producer. He works alongside Jeff F. King, David Fortier, Ivan Schneeberg, Jon Rutherford, and Nick Nantell, who also serve as executive producers.
The main cast that has been announced consists of:
- Miku Martineau as Yumeko Jabami
- Come on Solanke
- Eve Edwards
- Clara Alexandrova
- Hunter Cardinal
- Anwen O'Driscoll
- Aviva Mongillo
- Ryan Sutherland
This cast arrangement marks a step BET in bringing international versions of familiar characters to fans of the manga and anime.
Skeptical Reaction from Fans
After the trailer BET was released, there were mixed reactions from fans Kakegurui. Many questioned the reasoning behind making this new live-action version, especially since the previous Japanese adaptation had been well received by audiences.
One of the main criticisms relates to the change in characterization of Yumeko Jabami. In BETYumeko is portrayed as revenge-motivated, in contrast to the manga and anime versions, which show Yumeko as a character who gambles for personal satisfaction, rather than for personal or emotional goals. In addition, the character designs in the series are considered to lack the iconic look of the original version.
Concerns were also raised about the quality of Netflix's adaptation, given the previous experience with live-action Death Note which is considered unsuccessful in capturing the essence of the original story. Some fans also hope that Netflix will choose to continue the anime. Kakegurui, such as the third season of the main series or the continuation of the Kakegurui Twininstead of making a new live-action version that is very different from the original source.
However, there are also viewers who continue to have an interest in BET. They see the series as a new interpretation that can open up a different perspective on the world. KakeguruiAlthough it is presented in a more geographically and production-wide format.
About Kakegurui
The story of Kakegurui began as a manga by Homura Kawamoto and Tōru Naomura that was serialized in 2014 in the magazine Gangan Joker owned by Square Enix. As of 2024, the manga has reached 18 volumes and is still continuing.
Anime Kakegurui had two seasons that aired in 2017 and 2019, as well as a spin-off Kakegurui Twin in 2022. The entire anime is available at Netflix. The first Japanese live-action adaptation aired in 2018 and continued into the second season in 2019. The series is available on Netflix for some regions.
Kakegurui's story was also expanded to the big screen through two live-action movies. First movie released in 2019, and its sequel, Kakegurui Part 2: Desperate Russian Roulette, airing in 2021.
Via BETNetflix is expanding the franchise's reach into the global market with a new visual and narrative approach. While the initial response from fans has been divided, the series is still worth following if you're curious to see how the world of strategy and suspense is characterized. Kakegurui re-presented in an international format. BET will premiere in mid-May.
Source: Netflix on YouTube
©Netflix
