Miku Martineau in Bet: Netflix’s Bold New Manga-Inspired Series

Canadian star Miku Martineau in Bet is set to make a major splash with Netflix’s upcoming high-octane drama. The series, premiering May 15, delivers an intense mix of gambling, vengeance, and psychological warfare, with Martineau portraying Yumo — a transfer student who disrupts a hierarchy built on high-stakes games.

Speaking on The Social, Martineau described her connection to Yumo, a character driven by both charm and chaos. “She’s a teenage gambling addict who’s vengeful, eccentric, and a complete wild card,” Martineau shared. “But she’s also magnetic — you can’t take your eyes off her.”

A Manga-Inspired World with a Fierce New Spin

Though inspired by manga like Kakegurui — the title itself referencing “compulsive gambling” — Bet takes a fresh, original approach. “We borrowed themes we loved, but created our own unique universe,” Martineau explained. “For the first time, we truly explore what drives Yumo’s madness.”

That madness stems from deep trauma. In a pivotal moment adapted from the manga’s 17th volume, it’s revealed Yumo’s parents were murdered — a tragedy that fuels her fierce resolve. Martineau said this emotional depth grounds the character and adds substance to the show’s flamboyant tone.

Capturing Manga Energy and Aesthetics

Miku Martineau in Bet isn’t just channeling a character — she’s embodying the essence of manga. From exaggerated expressions to stylized movements, Martineau focused heavily on translating manga’s vivid energy to live action. “She’s iconic because of how she speaks, moves, reacts — I wanted to honor that,” she said.

The series embraces comic-book visuals, dynamic editing, and vibrant aesthetics. But beneath the flash, Bet tackles deeper social issues. “It’s a commentary on power, status, and wealth,” Martineau noted. “The school is brutal — and Yumo completely disrupts it.”

A Martial Arts Edge

Martineau’s background in martial arts adds an electrifying physical layer to her role. In fact, one of the standout fight scenes — a one-handed sword-wielding cartwheel — was her own idea. “We were experimenting in the stunt room, and I just threw it out there,” she said. “They loved it. It stayed in the show.”

Lessons from Michelle Yeoh

Martineau also spoke about her experience working with Michelle Yeoh on Star Trek: Section 31, calling it one of the most emotional milestones of her career. “She’s opened so many doors for Asian actors,” Martineau said, tearing up. “That’s the kind of path I want to walk — strong, impactful roles.”

Embracing Her Cultural Roots

Playing Yumo carries special significance for Martineau, who is of Japanese descent. “My mom moved to Canada from Japan when she was 30. I grew up surrounded by Japanese traditions,” she said. “This role has allowed me to reconnect with my roots in a powerful way.”

She even worked closely with dialect coaches to portray the character authentically. In doing so, she deepened her own understanding of her heritage and sparked heartfelt conversations with her mother.

Why Manga Captivates the World

When asked why anime and manga resonate globally, Martineau didn’t hesitate. “They push boundaries — emotionally, visually, narratively. That’s what makes them addictive,” she said. “And that’s exactly what we’re doing with Bet — keeping viewers guessing, scene after scene.” With Miku Martineau in Bet, Netflix offers more than just another high school drama — it delivers a whirlwind of intensity, revenge, and manga-inspired style, anchored by a breakout performance. Yumo isn’t just playing the game — she’s rewriting the rules.