JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood (ジョジョの奇妙な冒険 ファントムブラッド) is a live-action musical adaptation of Phantom Blood that ran from February 12 to April 14, 2024, closing after a run of two months. The musical was performed at the Imperial Theater in Tokyo, Sapporo Cultural Arts Theater Hitaru in Sapporo, and the Hyogo Performing Arts Center in Nishinomiya, Japan.
Tsuneyasu Motoyoshi wrote the script, Ney Hasegawa, director of the Fujiyama Anette theater company, directed the musical, and Dove Attia composed the music.[3]
The musical was originally scheduled to premiere on February 6, 2024. However, on February 4, 2024, it was announced that the performances from February 6 to 8 were cancelled due to delays. On February 8, 2024, it was announced that the performances from February 10 to 11 were cancelled as well.[4]
Pre-orders for the Blu-ray release of the musical were announced in the May 2024 issue of Ultra Jump on April 18, 2024. "Sunlight Yellow" and "Midnight Blue" versions of the Blu-ray are available, each featuring one of Jonathan and Zeppeli's double cast actors. Both versions, as well as a limited-edition box set containing a bonus disc, are planned to release sometime in December 2024.[2]
The story revolves around the mysterious Stone Mask excavated from Mexico and follows the adventurous tale of the fateful destinies of two young men. Set in England in the 19th century, Jonathan Joestar, nicknamed "JoJo", is the only son of the noble Joestar family. His father, Sir Joestar, raises him under strict yet warm guidance to become a "true gentleman". The Joestar household adopts Dio Brando, who was born and raised in the slums, believing that Dio's deceased father, Dario Brando, had saved Sir Joestar's life. Sir Joestar raises the two as equals, and they grow up strong.
However, Dio schemes to take everything from JoJo; his beloved dog Danny, his friends, his first love Erina Pendleton, and even the Joestar family's wealth. Realizing Dio's evil intentions, JoJo heads to the slums of London, Ogre Street. With the help of his new ally Robert E. O. Speedwagon, they drag Wang Chan back to the Joestar mansion because of his involvement in Dio's conspiracy. In a desperate situation, Dio harnesses the power of the mysterious Stone Mask, displayed in the Joestar house, to gain immense strength.
To counter the overpowering Dio, JoJo endures the rigorous training of Will A. Zeppeli to master the "Ripple Technique". Both of them set out on a journey with Speedwagon to settle the score with Dio. Meanwhile, Dio, with the likes of Jack the Ripper and legendaryknights under his command, builds an evil empire and awaits JoJo's arrival.[1]
The story is framed as an older Speedwagon's recorded retelling, and original narration is provided by him throughout the musical.
Several of Dio's early internal monologues about claiming the Joestar fortune for himself are removed.
Dario Brando becomes a recurring character who haunts his son Dio throughout the story after his death, appearing whenever the latter's dark nature rises to the surface. He first appears after Dio hits Erina for "Voice Calling from the Darkness," and serves a similar role in the first two reprises of the number. In "Dio's World <Reprise>," Dio turns on and metaphorically strangles his father's memory just before being confronted by Jonathan.
Inspector Archer is a close friend of George's, and frequently visits the mansion. He is also shown to be the friend who tells George about Jonathan and Dio's rugby game.
Dario's discovery of the Joestar family's carriage accident is shown immediately after the Aztec sacrifice scene.
Dio is shown being teased on his way home before his final conversation with Dario.
Dio's visit to his father's grave is replaced by the number "Dio," though the grave is shown later during "Voice Calling from the Darkness <Reprise>."
Dio now kicks Danny instinctually when the dog jumps toward him.
George's teachings toward Jonathan and Dio include a brief history lesson about two dark knights named Bruford and Tarkus.
Jonathan defeats the champion of his friends' boxing ring prior to his match with Dio, instead of being slated to face champion Mark Watkin before Dio enters.
The scene where Dio "borrows" Jonathan's watch is removed.
Dio and George's conversation about the Stone Mask is shortened, and the scene of Jonathan finding out about Dio's kiss with Erina is cut.
George happens upon Jonathan and Dio's battle just when Dio pulls out his knife, and merely orders both boys to bed instead of berating Jonathan about his ungentlemanly behavior.
Dio is briefly shown comforting Jonathan regarding Danny's death.
A flashback shows Dio's mother, still alive but bedridden by sickness. An alcoholic Dario is shown beating both her and his own son.
After being thrown down the stairs by Jonathan, Dio falls to his knees to beg Jonathan to stay and reconsider before resolving to murder him.
The scene of Dio discovering the mask's spikes is shortened, with the details of his plot left implied.
Dio's live test subject no longer punches a crater in a nearby wall. His death is visually represented as the Aztec tribe pulling him into darkness.
An original scene shows Zeppeli seeking the stone mask in a secondhand merchant's shop.
An original scene of Jonathan's return to the mansion has been added, with Inspector Archer apprehending Wang Chan and telling Jonathan about the time George forgave Dario for stealing his ring, rather than telling it to Speedwagon after George's death.
The number "Zeppeli's Notes" forms an original scene where Zeppeli explains his history with the stone mask and his resolve to destroy it.
Dio now delivers his climactic line in "Born Evil" with hesitation, briefly remembering his mother in some performances.
One of Archer's officers notices the disappearance of Dio's corpse rather than Speedwagon.
Jonathan is shown hiding Dio's knife prior to their confrontation. Instead of moving toward the roof, the two fight while Jonathan is climbing a wall, and Jonathan ultimately kicks Dio off the wall rather than himself.
Speedwagon's two visits to Jonathan in the hospital room are combined. Speedwagon's arrival with his friends is not shown, and Jonathan's reunion with Erina occurs just after she turns Speedwagon away.
Dio's seduction of Jack the Ripper is represented visually as him groping his new servant, rather than simply glaring at him as in the manga.
Zeppeli's introduction no longer involves him mysteriously changing positions or jumping with his legs crossed. When he strikes the "Memetaa!" Frog, instead of splitting the rock beneath the frog, he causes the frog's limbs to briefly extend.
Zeppeli sticks one of the flowers Jonathan grows on a tree branch to his jacket.
The number "Stars Drawn Together" forms an original scene where Erina expresses her hope for Jonathan's return.
Wang Chan is now introduced chasing Speedwagon before Jonathan and Zeppeli come to his aid. After Jonathan punches him, Wang Chan briefly taunts Jonathan before beginning to feel the heat of the Ripple. Speedwagon chases him as he runs off.
The number "Pain" forms an original scene where Zeppeli tells Jonathan about his father's fate, and the two bond over their shared pain and goal.
Jonathan and company's first confrontation with Dio is changed dramatically: rather than Jonathan defeating Jack alone, the group now follows him back to Dio, who sics his zombies on the group and escapes. Jonathan then defeats Jack with a Sunlight Yellow Overdrive. The group soon catches up to Dio, who faces Zeppeli as he does in the manga.
After Dio pushes Jonathan and Zeppeli back, Speedwagon attempts to attack him with a knife, but is intimidated by his glare and retreats back to his friends.
Dio's summoning of Bruford and Tarkus is preceded by the number "Knight's Pride, Gentleman's Heart," in which George gives a lesson on the full history of the two knights to his sons in a flashback.
Zeppeli begins fighting Tarkus while Jonathan fights Bruford, and both fights occur mostly off-stage. Speedwagon, sick of being on the sidelines, sings the number "Tomorrow is Now" as he works up the courage to assist Zeppeli with his knife and the heat of his chest. The hammer Speedwagon uses in the manga is cut entirely.
The name of Bruford's sword, Luck, no longer appears on its hilt. As such, Bruford only rechristens the sword as "Pluck" verbally, being unable to inscribe it with his blood.
After Jonathan receives Pluck, Dio briefly reappears to taunt Jonathan's newfound empathy for his foe. Zeppeli imbues the flower he plucked earlier with Ripple and throws it into Dio's eye, forcing him to retreat.
Instead of being attacked by Dio's veins, Jonathan pushes Erina to safety before running up to Dio to stab his neck.
The explosion of Jonathan's honeymoon ship is not shown. Jonathan and Dio are shown plummeting into the sea.
Jonathan and Dio's spirits are shown reuniting and passing on, both accepting that their fates have become one.
Cast Comments
Yuya Matsushita (Jonathan Joestar)
“
I'm truly honored to have been given the opportunity to play the role of Jonathan Joestar in the globally renowned and historic work JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, which marks the beginning of the story. I’m really looking forward to being part of the significant challenge of turning JoJo into a musical, alongside a wonderful cast and creators. It’s also my first time performing at the Imperial Theater, so I’m fired up! I hope you will look forward to it.
Nice to meet you. I'm Shotaro Arisawa, playing the role of Jonathan Joestar. Just saying the name gives me chills. I truly feel the weight of taking on such a historic role. As this is the premiere, I can't help but look forward to working with the strong team of creators, led by director Ney Hasegawa, and the cast members to bring this world to life. I hope we can fully harness the potential of JoJo and create a production that surpasses everyone's expectations. Let's meet at the Imperial Theater in February.
I never dreamed I'd be involved with JoJo's Bizarre Adventure in this way, and I can't hide my surprise and joy. Moreover, I'm truly honored to play the charismatic Dio Brando from the JoJo series. I've always loved Part 1 and revisited the original work countless times. I aim to capture Dio's overwhelming presence, his terrifying nature, and the delicate emotions that lie deep within his madness. With the unique possibilities of a musical, we'll unfold a JoJo world like no one has ever seen before. Please look forward to it!
I am honored to play the role of Erina Pendleton. My name is Miisha Shimizu. I never dreamed I'd be performing in the globally popular JoJo as Erina. I grew up watching the anime with my older brother, so it's a series very close to my heart. I'm committed to giving it my all in my portrayal. Thank you for your support.
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, beloved by fans worldwide across generations, is being adapted into a musical, and it's none other than the indispensable Part, Phantom Blood. At this point, you can sense the anticipation, right? Alongside Mr. Ney Hasegawa and the production team, I'll passionately perform as Speedwagon, aiming to surpass all your expectations and concerns. Don't miss it!
From the time of its initial serialization, I've been one of those captivated by the charm of the characters and its unique world. I had always thought that if it were ever adapted to the stage, I'd definitely go see it, and if allowed, I'd love to be a part of it. Now, I'm honored to be performing as Zeppeli, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility. While staying true to the original as a fan, I hope to bring my unique charm to this production and contribute in every way I can.
I'm honored to be taking on the role of Will A. Zeppeli. My name is Yusuke Hirose. The origin story of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, a series loved across generations, is being turned into a musical for the first time. I'm truly honored to be part of this beginning and to take on this challenge alongside a wonderful cast and creative team. I'm already nervous, but I'll approach this role with gratitude and responsibility, giving it my all.
I've enjoyed JoJo's Bizarre Adventure since my middle school days. Standing on its stage is beyond a dream come true, and it still hasn't fully sunk in. I can't even count how many times I've been encouraged and inspired by quotes emanating from the characters' philosophies. With an extraordinary sense of excitement and fear, I'll give my all to fully dive into the incredibly beautiful, dangerous, and mysterious world of adventure that Araki-sensei has created.
I believed that one day there would be a stage adaptation and have been eagerly waiting for this day for nearly 10 years since I started acting. JoJo is that much a part of my blood and oxygen. It has been both a mental and physical sustenance in all my artistic endeavors! I'm convinced that the reason I can participate in this work is due to a very bizarre yet somewhat inevitable form of gravity. If I hadn't made that choice back then, if I had continued doing this, or if I had no choice but to give up on that... all those things are what led me here today. I want to take pride in the life I've lived.
In 1987, when the serialization started, I was 26 years old. I'm an impatient person who can't wait a week, so I was never hooked on weekly manga. After being cast, I read from the first chapter onward and felt, "As Dio's father, I apologize to the entire Joestar family for raising such a son." It made me realize how crucial one's upbringing environment is. However, I'll wholeheartedly portray the worst and most foolish father, keeping the belief that "one person's misfortune makes another person happy" close to my heart. Wahahahaha!
Being a gentleman, having the dignity and culture of a Joestar! What is chivalry?! Love for my son! The whims of fate! I'm thrilled to be a part of this! And I was even more excited during the costume shoot! I want to build up the dynamism of creating an original musical with my creative colleagues, feeling the passionate gaze and expectations of both the enthusiastic original fans and those who love musicals. I can't sleep from the excitement already!
Actors:
Yuya Matsushita (Jonathan Joestar)
