The Apothecary Diaries is heading to Prime Video as a live-action drama — and it is arriving with major production firepower behind it. Amazon MGM Studios and TOHO announced the series today, confirming a 2028 worldwide streaming debut and the casting of actress Mana Ashida as the sharp-tongued apothecary Maomao.
Mana Ashida Steps Into Maomao’s Shoes
Ashida, known internationally for Pacific Rim and her voice roles in Mamoru Hosoda films, plays Maomao — the ever-curious, poison-obsessed young woman trafficked into the imperial court who turns her deep medical knowledge into a talent for solving palace mysteries. It is a demanding role, and the original author is already on board.
“When Ms. Ashida was chosen to play Maomao, I thought, ‘Ah, I can safely leave this in her hands,'” original author Natsu Hyuga said, as relayed in the Anime Corner announcement coverage. “When I actually met her, I thought, ‘That’s Maomao!'”
Ashida acknowledged the weight of stepping into such a beloved character: “I was originally a huge fan of the novels, so there were many moments when I felt nervous,” she said at the announcement. Filming ran across six months on large-scale sets built to recreate the imperial harem in full. Hyuga visited the production multiple times and came away confident in what she saw. The cast for male lead Jinshi has not yet been announced.
The Creative Team Behind the Adaptation
Director Yuki Saito is helming the series, with screenplay by Erika Yoshida — the writer behind the acclaimed BOCCHI THE ROCK! anime adaptation. The pairing of an experienced live-action director with a screenwriter who deeply understands anime source material suggests an adaptation built to satisfy the fanbase first.
This is a co-production between Amazon MGM Studios and TOHO, with TOHO Studios handling physical production in Japan. Buddy Marini, Amazon’s head of local originals, described the ambition plainly: “This story transcends genres and captivates worldwide audiences — the live-action adaptation will deliver a fresh visual experience for both devoted fans and newcomers,” he said at the announcement. The series launches on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories — Singapore included, from day one.
A Franchise in Full Swing Heading Into 2028
The timing of this live-action announcement is no accident. The Apothecary Diaries is at a creative peak right now. Season 3 of the anime premieres on 2 October 2026 with Yorushika performing the new opening theme — as we covered when the season details dropped. An original anime film, The Apothecary Diaries: The Deceased Empress’ Treasure, follows in Japanese cinemas on 11 December 2026. And for Singapore fans, The Apothecary Diaries Exhibition opens here on 30 September at Fever Exhibition Hall and runs through 1 November 2026.
A franchise with simultaneous anime seasons, theatrical films, a Singapore exhibition, and now a Prime Video live-action adaptation co-produced by TOHO and Amazon MGM Studios is operating at a scale very few anime properties ever reach. With Jinshi casting still to come and a 2028 premiere ahead, there is plenty more to look forward to — follow our anime and manga coverage for updates as they land.