Ken Watanabe on 'The King and I'

Go for it, Ken! You can do it!!

His talent is limitless as is his kindness.

Ken Watanabe - one of the true talents of the entertainment industry. Versatile, charismatic and all round nice guy.

An acquaintance met him briefly on a studio site years back and said he oozed "charm & allure" and everyone felt it.

I'm sure he'll win many admirers in NY.

Many Japanese people are under the impression that Japanese men don't look good bald, but they are wrong.

Watanabe is one of the VERY Japanese associated with movies or TV that I think has any real or actual talent. I think he will be perfect for this role. A little off topic: seeing that Japan has so many club activities, why in the world is "theater" not one of them. I did theater in Jr. high, high school, and high school. There is so much more than just acting. Writing, directing, lighting, costume making and design. I learned how to build set pieces. Theater clubs can help build dozens of skills in young students and end the end give the other students, teachers, and community some entertainment. Just seems like the perfect club for Japan. (also Japan might have more than 5 or 6 decent actors if more students start acting)

Why did I think I just saw a Japanese musical adaption of Game of Throne?

I'm sure Watanabe is very good, but are there no Thai actors who can handle the role. Also, I didn't know he could sing (this is being staged as the musical, right?).

I can't think of anyone else I'd rather see in this role.

@gokai_wo_maneku I'm sure Watanabe is very good, but are there no Thai actors who can handle the role.

Considering the huge dustup by Japanese with casting of Chinese actresses in Memoirs of a Geisha, won't Japanese have problems with Watanabe's casting? Won't Thai people get upset?

Love you Ken. Break a leg.

I love Rogers and Hammerstein's music ! Just the "title" brings back fond memories of my youth ! I saw both the theatre performance and the film "The King and I" as well as "South Pacific". Hope Watanabe-San does a good job as "The King" !

Ken's talent is exceptional and this article has a touch of brilliance! There's no doubt he will kill the role!

This guy just rocks. I love him. When people have giggled at my being married to a Japanese man in the past because they are this and that and the other I just have two words for them: Ken Watanabe.

Japan has good reason to be proud of Watanabe-san. A truly talented gentleman!

I first saw Ken in NHK's Dokuganryu Masamune in 1987, and even back then you could tell he was a great actor with a great future ahead of him. But I never thought I might be able to see him playing the king in The King and I on Broadway in New York CIty!

What a class act Ken! Ganbatte!

$169 for a ticket at the sight I found tickets.