The popular historical light novel series The Apothecary Diaries will be adapted into a live-action TV show, starring Mana Ashida (Scarlet) as protagonist Maomao. Yuki Saito (Plastic Beauty) serves as director, alongside Erika Yoshida (Bocchi the Rock!) as screenplay writer.
The series is a joint production between Amazon MGM Studios and TOHO, set to stream exclusively worldwide via Prime Video in 2028. Filming for the series reportedly lasted over six months, taking place on an extensive set recreating the world of Maomao’s inner palace.
The Apothecary Diaries tells the tale of Maomao, an unassuming young woman with a sharp mind and extensive knowledge of medicine, raised by her apothecary father. After being kidnapped and sold into service in the hougong (rear palace) of an emperor, her quiet life changes as she is transformed into the lady-in-waiting to the Emperor’s favorite consort.
The original light novel series has sold over 57 million copies worldwide, and was adapted into an anime in 2023. The anime’s third season will begin airing on October 2, followed by a movie spin-off, The Apothecary Diaries the Movie: Bouhi no Hihou, which opens in Japanese theatres on December 11.
