'The Apothecary Diaries' to Get a Live-Action Series on Prime Video

Prime Video is producing a live-action adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto), the popular Japanese light novel series that has also been adapted into manga and anime. The premiere is scheduled for 2028, with exclusive worldwide distribution on the platform.

Japanese actress Mana Ashida, known for Pacific Rim, will play Maomao, the story’s protagonist. The series will be produced through a partnership between Amazon MGM Studios and TOHO, with Yuki Saito directing and Erika Yoshida writing the script.

In the story, Maomao is a young woman raised in the pleasure district who has extensive knowledge of medicine and poisons. After being taken to the imperial palace, she begins working as a servant and uses her expertise and keen observational skills to investigate mysteries and court conspiracies.

The original work, written by Natsu Hyuga, is set in a fictional empire and blends mystery, palace intrigue, and medical knowledge. The franchise has already surpassed 57 million copies in circulation worldwide.

The The Apothecary Diaries anime premiered in 2023 and currently has two seasons. The third season is scheduled for October 2026, while a franchise film will hit Japanese theaters in December.