Chainsaw Man Creator’s Look Back Gets Live-Action Movie in 2026

In a massive announcement for anime and cinema fans alike, the critically acclaimed 2024 hit Look Back is officially being adapted into a live-action film. Scheduled for a theatrical release in 2026, the project marks a prestigious crossover between the manga world and high-brow cinema. The film is being helmed by celebrated filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, the Palme d’Or-winning director of Shoplifters and the classic Nobody Knows. Kore-eda will serve as the director, screenwriter, and editor, aiming to translate Tatsuki Fujimoto’s emotional narrative into a "lived-in reality."

The production is moving quickly, with reports confirming that filming has already been completed and the team is currently deep in the editing phase. Produced by K2 Pictures. The collaboration came to life after producer Daiju Koide connected Kore-eda with creator Tatsuki Fujimoto, following the director's expression of admiration for the source material. 

Fujimoto, the mastermind behind the global phenomenon Chainsaw Man, gave the project a ringing endorsement, simply stating that he is excited and has "nothing more to add."

Anime Movies Are Taking Over the Global Box Office

This announcement comes at a time when anime movies have thoroughly taken over the global box office. Full-length productions from industry titans like Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man have broken records and raked in massive profits, setting the stage for a golden era of theatrical anime. 

While Look Back didn't have the $700 million franchise power of Demon Slayer, the 2024 animated version was widely considered the year's biggest critical hit. It grossed approximately $12 million worldwide, an impressive feat for a standalone drama, and topped the Japanese box office for two consecutive weeks.

Meanwhile, the live-action version of Look Back would have a high bar to clear regarding critical reception. The 2024 anime achieved the rare perfection with a 100% critic score and a 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. It also secured Best Anime awards from the Japan Academy, Japan Film Critics Association, and the Tokyo Anime Festival. 

The story follows Fujino, an overly confident fourth-grader, and Kyomoto, a reclusive truant, as they navigate a competitive rivalry that evolves into a deep creative partnership. The narrative explores the complex joy and pain of creating art, a theme that resonated deeply with global audiences.

Fans of Tatsuki Fujimoto are currently enjoying a wealth of content. This live-action project joins a wave of recent adaptations, including the Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 anthology on Prime Video and the highly anticipated Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc.

For the upcoming Look Back film, early promotional art has already teased snowy scenes featuring the leads. The film is slated for initial distribution across Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, with plans for a broader global rollout to follow.