Takashi Miike’s Film Featuring Charli XCX and Milly Alcock Welcomes Hailey Benton Gates to the Cast as Production Begins with Live Nation Studios on Board as Executive Producer

Cameras Roll on Takashi Miike’s Untitled Kyoto Film

Filming has commenced in Japan on Takashi Miike’s untitled project set in Kyoto, featuring an ensemble cast that includes Charli XCX, Milly Alcock, Norman Reedus, Kiko Mizuhara, and Show Kasamatsu.

Joining the cast is Hailey Benton Gates, who recently appeared alongside Charli XCX in A24’s The Moment and will feature in The Drama, a film from the same studio releasing next week.

The production gains further investment as Live Nation Studios, the film and television division of Live Nation Entertainment, steps in as an executive producer and financier. Aidan Zamiri, known for co-writing and directing The Moment, is also on board as a producer.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Kyoto, the slasher horror film follows three best friends whose seemingly carefree trip transforms into a nightmare when Katie (played by Charli XCX) becomes possessed by a tormented spirit, deeply rooted in Japanese horror tradition.

The screenplay, inspired by ideas from Charli XCX and Miike, is crafted by Ross Evans and Yumiko Aoyagi. XCX is producing the film through her studio365, while longtime Miike collaborator Misako Saka continues her role as producer alongside Live Nation Studios and Good World Productions. The executive producer lineup includes Michael Rapino and Ryan Kroft from Live Nation Studios, as well as Youree Henley, Alex Peace-Power, and Evans.

International sales for the film were initiated by The Veterans and CAA Media Finance at the European Film Market in Berlin.

Hailey Benton Gates, a model and former host of States of Undress, is also notable for directing the Sundance 2025 winner Atropia, which was released domestically by Vertical. Nexus Point News first reported her negotiations to join the Miike project.

Live Nation Studios has a history of producing successful films with musical elements, including the Oscar-winning A Star Is Born, Moonage Daydream, and Hurry Up Tomorrow.

“This film represents the kind of creative collaboration we love to champion from top filmmakers with distinctive voices that can connect to global audiences,” said Ryan Kroft, Head of Film & Television at Live Nation Studios.

Gates is represented by WME, while Zamiri is represented by Gang, Tyre.