Gkids Takes on Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Live-Action Manga Adaptation Look Back
Gkids Secures Distribution Rights for Hirokazu Kore-eda’s ‘Look Back’
Gkids has acquired the distribution rights for the upcoming film Look Back in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. This project is helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, known for his Palme d’Or-winning film Shoplifters.
Look Back marks the first live-action adaptation of the popular manga of the same name by Tatsuki Fujimoto, recognized for his work on Chainsaw Man. The film, shot in Nikaho City in northern Japan, is currently in post-production and is anticipated to be released in Japanese theaters in 2026, followed by distribution in the aforementioned markets.
The film centers on the coming-of-age journey of two girls who are dedicated to achieving their dreams of becoming manga artists. The original manga, first published on Shonen Jump+ in 2021, quickly garnered attention, achieving 2.5 million views on its first day and over 4 million views within two days. It has since sold over 900,000 copies domestically and is available in 37 countries.
The acquisition deal for Look Back was negotiated by Chance Huskey at Gkids and Eva Diederix at Goodfellas, which is handling sales for international territories outside Asia.
In reflecting on his connection to the manga, Kore-eda shared, "I first encountered the ‘Look Back’ manga at a bookstore at Shinagawa Station. Without thinking, I picked a copy up—that was my first encounter with Look Back. That night, I read it in one sitting. Though manga and film are different genres, as a fellow creator, I felt the desperate resolve behind this work."
Kore-eda further elaborated on the adaptation process, stating, “After that encounter, Producer Daiju Koide approached me about adapting Look Back into a live-action film, and I was given the opportunity to meet Mr. Fujimoto. Initially, I wanted to express my gratitude for bringing such a work into the world… But on the way home, I remember deciding, ‘I have no choice but to do this.’ Filming has wrapped, and while it’s currently in editing, I believe it will be a work that captures something truly rich.”
