Creating Anime In A Fantasy World

Chapter 232: The Selection of New Actors!

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.

A work with a bold, eccentric style and a flavor unlike anything else. Before his transmigration, it had been one of his all-time favorite anime.

True, its rugged, hard-edged art style had made it somewhat of a niche taste back on Earth—but for those who did fall in love with it, the series’ sheer inventiveness and wildly unpredictable storytelling had left an indelible mark.

Most importantly, JoJo was a treasure trove of legendary moments and unforgettable lines. These “iconic scenes,” with their bizarre charm and almost meme-like quality, had spread like wildfire through parody culture and secondary creations, propelling the series’ fame to dazzling heights.

But all of that—its notoriety, its longevity—was built on a foundation of undeniable brilliance. The original work itself was simply that good.

Edward had long entertained the idea of adapting JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood—its first part, whose period setting aligned most closely with this world’s aesthetics—into a film. Yet, for various reasons, he had always shelved the idea.

Now, however, with news that the southern nobles were pooling resources to produce a vampire-themed film, Edward made his decision without hesitation.

The reason was simple: JoJo also had vampires.

True, its version of vampires differed in certain ways from what audiences here were accustomed to. But Edward believed that most viewers would readily accept those differences—especially if the story was compelling.

And above all, Edward held firm to a single conviction:

Fun comes first.

If a movie was fun, it could win over audiences across every boundary.

Thus, after carefully reviewing the Phantom Blood manuscript and confirming it was sound, Edward marched straight to Durin Film Production Company to begin preparations for production.

. . . . .

“What? A new movie!?”

Inside a tavern, Zat froze mid-swipe of his cleaning rag, staring wide-eyed at Edward.

He had just finished watching the latest episode of The Garden of Sinners with Aya and the others, his mind already buzzing with anticipation for Fate/Zero and Steins;Gate.

The last thing he expected was for Edward to suddenly declare a new project at such a crucial juncture.

But Edward offered no elaborate explanation. He simply said, in his usual calm manner:

“This time’s casting will be… different. For the key roles, most of our existing troupe actors won’t be suitable. We’ll need to conduct a large-scale search and hold open auditions.”

“…What?”

Even Chase, the manager of the Snow Flower Troupe, was caught off guard.

He had assumed Edward would, as always, draw from the pool of theatre actors—perhaps even offer him another role.

But if Edward had already decided, then so be it. No one in the Durin Film Production Company ever second-guessed his choices. Still, Chase couldn’t help recalling the strange movements of the other troupes in recent weeks. Surely this sudden project was no coincidence.

Regardless, Durin Film Production Company revolved around one sun alone: Edward. His word was absolute.

And now that he had declared a new wave of actors would be recruited, everyone snapped into motion.

“What kind of standards are we looking at, then?” Belldia finally asked.

Edward thought for a moment, then answered casually:

“The protagonist’s build… well, at minimum, it should be about the same as yours.”

“…Huh?”

Belldia blinked, dumbstruck.

And he wasn’t alone—every single person present gawked in disbelief.

Because Belldia’s physique was that of a top-tier knight. That kind of towering, sculpted frame was something you’d almost never find among ordinary folk.

Realizing the problem, Edward froze for a moment. But after thinking it over, his eyes lit up and he quickly said:

“Right, if ordinary civilians can’t possibly have that kind of physique, then the solution is simple—we don’t recruit from ordinary civilians. The Southern Frontier Garrison’s camp isn’t far from here. I’ll just go straight to Duke Constantine and request men from the army!”

With that, he ignored the stunned expressions around him, activated a teleportation array, and vanished from sight.

“…Is Director Durin making some kind of movie about musclebound warriors duking it out?”

Saeki muttered under his breath, and everyone else in the studio exchanged bewildered looks.

In the end, they shelved the mystery for now and returned to their respective tasks.

. . . . .

“Edward? You’re back already?”

At the ducal estate of the southern territory, Daphne looked genuinely surprised. She hadn’t expected Edward to return so soon—barely a day after leaving.

But Edward remained calm as ever, replying simply:

“I need to see Duke Constantine.”

“My father? He’s in the study.”

“Good.”

Following Daphne into the inner halls of the estate, Edward once again stood before Duke Constantine.

The Duke looked mildly surprised at his sudden appearance. But Edward wasted no time with pleasantries and went straight to the point:

“Your Grace, due to the unique requirements of my new film, I’d like to select a group of men from the Southern Frontier Garrison to serve as actors.”

“…Actors?”

The Duke blinked in surprise at the unusual request. After a moment, he replied with some hesitation:

“As much as I’d like to oblige, the garrison is currently tasked with keeping watch over the frontier. There’s always the threat of a beast tide from the uncharted lands. This really isn’t an ideal time.”

“I see…”

“You’re acquainted with General Wilhelm, aren’t you? Why not recruit from the Imperial Knights or the main army instead?”

“….”

Edward’s shoulders sagged in frustration. He understood that the Duke’s reasoning was sound—but his instinct as a director screamed at him that the right candidates were in the Southern Frontier Garrison. Nowhere else.

Just as he was about to resign himself to leaving empty-handed, a golden-haired apparition quietly materialized in the corner of the study.

“The beast tide in the uncharted lands has entered its dormant phase,” the woman said softly. “There will be no activity for at least half a year.”

“—!”

Both Edward and Duke Constantine stiffened at the sight of the familiar figure—Arcueid Viktor.

Edward himself was caught off guard, unsure how to respond.

But Arcueid only offered him a gentle smile, her voice faint yet steady:

“Your new film… I’ll be looking forward to it.”

And with that, she turned and slowly faded into the air, leaving the Duke and Edward staring blankly at one another.

“…Sigh~ It seems the True Ancestor truly has taken a liking to movies.”

Hearing the Duke’s helpless remark, Edward couldn’t help but break into a grin.

With the ancient ancestor herself stepping in, the matter was as good as settled.