The rumor has been circulating for a couple of days now, but today it finally became official - AKB48's Maeda Atsuko is going to star in a new version of the drama "Hanazakari no Kimitachi e - Ikemen Paradise", widely known as just "Hana Kimi", this summer.

Most of you probably remember the drama or at least recognize its title, since Fuji TV already aired a drama of the same title back in 2007, starring Horikita Maki. Just like four years ago, Maeda is going to play a girl who has to disguise herself as a boy in order to get enrolled into a boys' boarding school for a certain reason. There is no doubt that the cast will be made up full of hot, young actors and idols again, making it difficult for female viewers to resist the drama, but will Maeda be able to make some girls' hearts flutter as a boy as well?

The first "Hana Kimi" was a huge success with an average rating of 17.3%, and the final episode even reaching 21.0%. Next to Horikita, the cast featured various big names such as Oguri Shun, Ikuta Toma, Mizushima Hiro, Okada Masaki and many more. Most of the staff will return for the "rebirth" of the drama, making sure to adapt the atmosphere from the original manga once again, but of course they will work on a slightly new scenario and a different story.

[caption id="attachment_150920" align="aligncenter" width="420" caption="The Cast of "Hana Kimi" (2007)"][/caption]

The producer about the highlight of the new version, "It will be the first time for the nationwide popular Maeda to challenge such a difficult role, disguising herself as a boy as well as sporting a short hairstyle."

Maeda about the challenge, "My goal is to change my appearance into an ikemen! Of course I watched the drama and read the manga, and I loved both of them. I'm both excited and nervous about being able to participate in this drama myself."

The male cast has yet to be announced, but it sure will be difficult to top the quality and quantity of actors from the first drama. However, since it's the same staff and production team, they might just be able to cast some of the best up-and-coming young stars again.

Fuji TV plans to air "Hanazakari no Kimitachi e - Ikemen Paradise" every Sunday at 9pm, replacing "Marumo no Okite" for the summer season.

Source: Sanspo