Look Back: A Tale of Friendship and Dreams - Coming Soon to North America and the U.K./Ireland
GKids has secured the rights for the upcoming film Look Back in North America and the U.K./Ireland. Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, the movie is based on the popular manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of Chainsaw Man. The story revolves around two schoolgirls who share a dream of becoming manga artists and are brought together despite their differences. GKids' VP of distribution, Chance Huskey, expressed excitement about bringing Look Back to audiences in these regions, highlighting Kore-eda's storytelling prowess and Fujimoto's impact in the manga world.
Tatsuki Fujimoto's web manga Look Back, which debuted on Shonen Jump+ in 2021, quickly gained popularity with over 4 million views in just two days. The print version of the manga has sold over 900,000 copies in Japan and 750,000 internationally. The success of the manga led to its nomination at the 2023 Eisner Awards. Kore-eda's live-action adaptation of Look Back follows an animated version released in 2024, which received an Annie Award nomination for best animated feature – independent.
In addition to Look Back, Hirokazu Kore-eda has completed Sheep in a Box, a futuristic drama about a couple raising a humanoid child. The film, produced by Fuji Television Network, Gaga Corporation, and Toho, is set for release in early summer 2026. Kore-eda, known for his award-winning film Shoplifters, has a busy schedule ahead with multiple projects in the pipeline. Look Back, currently in post-production, is expected to premiere later in 2026, potentially at the Venice Film Festival.
Filmed in Nikaho City, Japan, Look Back is slated for a 2026 theatrical release in Japan, with GKids handling distribution in North America, the U.K., and Ireland. The acquisition of Look Back marks GKids' expansion into live-action features, following the success of their previous releases like Kokuho and their upcoming Kaiju movie Godzilla Minus Zero. GKids' VP of distribution, Chance Huskey, emphasized the company's commitment to showcasing films that embody artistry, emotional depth, and a global perspective, making Look Back a perfect fit for their vision.
In conclusion, GKids' acquisition of Look Back underscores their dedication to bringing compelling and diverse stories to audiences in North America and the U.K./Ireland. With a talented team behind the film, including director Hirokazu Kore-eda and manga creator Tatsuki Fujimoto, Look Back promises to be a captivating exploration of friendship, dreams, and the power of storytelling. Stay tuned for its release in 2026, as GKids continues to expand its portfolio of impactful and thought-provoking films.