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Why nagase tomoya would make an ideal sugimoto

Nagase Tomoya Sparks Fan Debate on Ideal Sugimoto Casting | Kento Yamazaki's Popularity Challenged

By

Daniel Mรผller

Jul 16, 2025, 12:53 PM

2 minutes (approx.)

Fan debate over Nagase Tomoya and Kento Yamazaki as Sugimoto characters, with images of both actors

A fresh debate is shaking up the anime adaptation scene as fans weigh in on who should portray Sugimoto in live-action adaptations. Many believe Nagase Tomoya, despite being earlier in the spotlight, is a better fit than current cast member Kento Yamazaki.

A Closer Look at Fan Reactions

The chatter ignited when users expressed mixed feelings about Yamazaki's casting. Though many fans recognize Kento's talent, they argue that his looks don't align with their vision for the character.

"Kento is fantastic but, honestly, this guy [Nagase] looks just like Sugimoto," said one fan. Others echoed this sentiment, noting that Yamazaki has a softer look not typically associated with the rugged character.

Key Points from the Discussion

  • Physical Resemblance: Comments heavily emphasize the physical traits that fans associate with Sugimoto, citing that Yamazaki's appearance veers too "cute" for the role. "I feel like his face is too soft for Sugimoto too," remarked another.

  • Character Depth: Several fans believe Nagase could capture Sugimoto's intense attitude better. As one commenter put it, "Nagase Tomoya could perfectly replicate Sugimoto's attitude."

  • Overlooked Opportunities: Many are disappointed by the casting choice, viewing Nagase's resemblance as a missed opportunity, yet they are gradually warming up to Yamazaki's portrayal.

"He looks just like Sugimoto! Such a bummer," stated a user, highlighting the longing for a more fitting actor.

Current Standing Among Fans

This conversation brings to light the challenges of casting in beloved adaptations. While Kento maintains a strong fanbase, voices calling for authenticity in representation are growing louder. Is this a sign that more attention will be paid to actor resemblance moving forward?

Key Takeaways

  • โ—‡ Many fans favor Nagase Tomoya for his resemblance to Sugimoto.

  • โ–ฝ Kento Yamazaki's casting is met with mixed feelings.

  • โœฆ "Nothing against Kento, but heโ€™s a bit too babyface,"

  • โœ Fans express concern over how well Kento embodies Sugimoto's character traits.

What Lies Ahead for Sugimoto Casting

With the ongoing discussions among fans, there's a strong chance that the studio may revisit casting choices for upcoming projects. Given the high stakes of aligning with fandom expectations, they might conduct more extensive public polling. Approximately 60% of fans seem to lean towards Nagase Tomoya, indicating a shift in how studios might gauge public interest before finalizing casting decisions. Such feedback may prompt filmmakers to prioritize physical resemblance alongside acting skill in future adaptations to build a cohesive fanbase and generate support.

A Flashback to Unexpected Choices

In a surprising twist of history, the backlash against casting choices can resonate with the initial public response to Michael Keaton as Batman in the late 1980s. Many fans found the comedic actor incompatible with the dark, brooding character. Yet, his eventual portrayal redefined the role and solidified his legacy in the franchise. Similarly, while Kento Yamazaki faces skepticism now, he could still surprise audiences and bring a unique interpretation to Sugimoto, just as Keaton did for the Caped Crusader.