Chainsaw Man Creator’s Live-Action Movie Finally Gets U.S. Release in 2026

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The creator of the popular manga Chainsaw Man is releasing a live-action film based on their short story, Look Back, later this year. After finishing the first part of Chainsaw Man, Tatsuki Fujimoto published several short stories, and Look Back became so popular with fans that it’s now being adapted into both an anime and a live-action movie. GKIDS has recently revealed more information about what viewers can anticipate.

The anime film Look Back was a major hit in 2024, and now a live-action adaptation is also planned! While we don’t have a release date yet, GKIDS announced that the live-action film will be shown in theaters across Japan, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland later this year. You can find a sneak peek at Look Back below.

Look Back Announces 2026 Release With GKIDS

The new live-action film from Look Back will be based on Tatsuki Fujimoto’s original short story of the same name. Award-winning filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda (known for Shoplifters) is writing, editing, and directing the movie. GKIDS has announced that the film is currently in post-production, with Daiju Koide producing under K2 Pictures, who are also handling the Japanese release. The film will premiere in Japanese theaters later this year, followed by releases in other countries. Kore-eda has also shared his thoughts on adapting the story.

Producer Daiju Koide asked me to consider turning the manga Look Back into a live-action movie, which led to a meeting with Mr. Fujimoto. I initially just wanted to thank him for creating such a wonderful story and for me having the good fortune to discover it. But on the drive home, I realized I had to be involved. We’ve finished filming, and while it’s still being edited, I think the final product will be something really special.

What Is Look Back About?

Tatsuki Fujimoto’s short manga, Look Back, came out in 2021 between the first and second parts of his popular series, Chainsaw Man. The story resonated with fans because it beautifully portrays the lives of two aspiring manga artists and how their paths diverge in unexpected ways. While the recent anime adaptation was very popular, it remained true to Fujimoto’s original, solo creative vision.

Kiyotaka Oshiyama not only directed the anime film Look Back, but also wrote and edited it. The film was a success with both audiences and critics, which is a major reason why the original story is now being adapted into a live-action movie. With a story that appeals to fans in any format, all that’s left is for moviegoers to see it on the big screen.

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2026-03-10 18:10