Acclaimed director Hirokazu Kore-eda adapts Tatsuki Fujimoto's manga. The live-action Look Back film, acquired by Gkids, hits theaters in 2026.
- April 1, 2026
AceShowbiz - Look Back is the upcoming live-action film adaptation of the acclaimed manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto, known for Chainsaw Man. This project marks the latest work of Palme d’Or winner Hirokazu Kore-eda, the celebrated director behind Shoplifters.
Gkids has acquired the distribution rights for Look Back in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, expanding its international reach. The film is currently in post-production following its shoot in Nikaho City, located in northern Japan.
Production is led by Daiju Koide under the K2 Pictures banner, which will handle the film’s distribution within Japan. The release schedule anticipates a theatrical debut in Japan in 2026, with subsequent theatrical releases planned across the US, Canada, UK, and Ireland.
This adaptation represents a significant development as it brings a popular manga narrative into live-action under the direction of a filmmaker known for his sensitive storytelling and international acclaim. Fans of both manga and Kore-eda’s work can look forward to a cinematic experience that blends the source material’s unique story with the director’s distinct vision.
Gkids’ acquisition signals strong confidence in the film’s potential appeal to audiences across multiple English-speaking markets, further highlighting the growing global interest in Japanese cinema and manga adaptations.