GKids has acquired the North American and U.K./Ireland distribution rights for the upcoming film Look Back, directed by acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda. This live-action adaptation is based on a best-selling manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto, known for his work on Chainsaw Man. The announcement was made on Monday, marking a significant addition to GKids’ growing portfolio of films.
The story of Look Back centers on two schoolgirls, one of whom struggles with severe social anxiety and isolation, as they pursue their shared dream of becoming manga artists. The film is expected to resonate with audiences, combining themes of perseverance and creativity. “We are thrilled to bring Look Back to audiences in North America, the UK, and Ireland,” said Chance Huskey, GKids’ Vice President of Distribution, who negotiated the deal with Eva Diederix from Goodfellas, the sales agent for international territories outside Asia.
Fujimoto’s original one-shot web manga was first published on Shonen Jump+ in 2021 and quickly gained popularity, amassing over 4 million views within just two days. The print version has sold more than 900,000 copies in Japan and over 750,000 copies internationally. The work received recognition by being nominated for a 2023 Eisner Award in the Best U.S. Edition of International Material — Asia category.
Film Production and Future Releases
Kore-eda’s adaptation follows a previously released animated version of Look Back directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama, which GKids distributed in North America. Oshiyama’s film received a nomination for Best Animated Feature — Independent at the Annie Awards. The live-action adaptation is currently in post-production and is anticipated to be released in theaters in late 2026, potentially premiering at the Venice Film Festival.
In addition to Look Back, Kore-eda has a busy schedule ahead. He has completed work on Sheep in a Box, a drama set in the future about a couple who adopts a state-of-the-art humanoid as their son. This film, produced by Fuji Television Network, Gaga Corporation, and Toho, is slated for release in early summer 2026, positioning it as a likely contender at the Cannes Film Festival.
Kore-eda, who won the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 2018 for Shoplifters, continues to build on his reputation as a master storyteller. His recent works include Broker (2022) and Monster (2023), along with the limited series Asura for Netflix, which is set to release in 2025.
In a statement, Kore-eda expressed his connection to Fujimoto’s work, saying, “Though manga and film are different genres, as a fellow creator, I felt the desperate resolve behind this work. I could feel, almost painfully, that Mr. Fujimoto simply couldn’t move forward without creating this piece.” He drew parallels to his own breakthrough film, Nobody Knows, released in 2004.
Filming for the live-action version took place in Nikaho City, located in northern Japan. Producer Daiju Koide is overseeing the project under his K2 Pictures banner, which will handle distribution in Japan. The Japanese theatrical release is also set for 2026, with GKids following suit with its rollout in North America, the U.K., and Ireland.
GKids’ Expansion into Live-Action Features
The acquisition of Look Back highlights GKids’ ongoing expansion into live-action films. This move follows the success of Kokuho, a post-WWII drama directed by Sang-il Lee, which has become the highest-grossing Japanese live-action film of all time. Additionally, GKids has secured rights for Godzilla Minus Zero, the sequel to Godzilla Minus One, expected for release later this year.
Huskey emphasized GKids’ commitment to quality storytelling, stating, “As GKids expands further into live action, we’re seeking out films and creators that reflect the artistry, emotional intelligence, and global perspective that have always been at the heart of GKids.” He noted that Look Back embodies this vision, expressing excitement about collaborating with Kore-eda on this remarkable story.
