Japanese actress Haruka Ayase and comedian-actor Daigo (of comedy duo Chidori) have been cast as a married couple in the upcoming movie Hako no Naka no Hitsuj i (The Sheep in the Box), directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda and scheduled for release in 2026. The film marks the first time Ayase and Daigo portray spouses on screen.
The story is set in a near-future world in which the couple, Ayase’s character Nene Komoto and Daigo’s character Kensuke Komoto, adopt a humanoid child, exploring family dynamics against technological and emotional backdrops. Kore-eda, known for his family-oriented dramas, developed the film’s concept around themes of human connection and advanced technology.
Production sources report that on-set interactions between the lead actors have been noted for their chemistry, with Daigo describing working with Ayase as both challenging and rewarding, and Ayase expressing enthusiasm for the project’s emotional depth. Kore-eda has adopted an unconventional directing approach for Daigo’s performance, encouraging natural dialogue delivery rather than strict script memorization.
The narrative draws inspiration from contemporary discussions about identity and family relationships in an evolving society, with the humanoid child character contributing to both dramatic and reflective elements of the plot. Filming and additional casting details have not yet been fully disclosed as the project progresses toward its 2026 domestic release.
Info (in Japanese)
https://gaga.ne.jp/hakononakanohitsuji/
