Lollipop Chainsaw Live-Action Film Announced at Tokyo Game Show

Key points

• A live-action feature film based on the 2012 video game Lollipop Chainsaw is in development, announced at Tokyo Game Show 2026.
• The film is produced by Ambitious Entertainment’s Kirk Shaw, former ZDF Studios drama head Robert Franke, Nada Holdings founder Joe Teng, Throne Inc MD Takafumi Yuki, and Non Stop TV’s Patricio Rabuffetti.
• The movie is set to be an R-rated action comedy that serves as a prequel to the original game, following cheerleader and zombie hunter Juliet Starling.
• The announcement was made alongside the reveal of Lollipop Chainsaw 2 Back2Back, a new game for PlayStation 5 scheduled for 2027, developed by JP Universe under the direction of Hajime Tabata.
• Dragami Games President Shohei Sato stated the goal is to create a globally recognized franchise from Asia, while producers emphasized maintaining the game’s irreverent spirit for both fans and newcomers.

Background

Lollipop Chainsaw, originally released in 2012 by Grasshopper Manufacture and published by Kadokawa Games, became a cult hit selling over 1.5 million copies. The intellectual property was acquired by Dragami Games in 2022 after Kadokawa Games divested part of its business. A remastered edition, Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP, was released in 2024. In July 2025, Nada Holdings and Dragami Games announced plans for a new game and an anime adaptation, with Nada Holdings emphasizing a lack of 'excessive creative restrictions' regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. The current live-action film is distinct from these previous anime plans.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline highlights the international production team and the strategic goal of creating a global franchise from an Asian IP, noting the film's R-rated prequel status. Anime News Network confirms the live-action nature of the project, distinguishing it from previously announced anime adaptations, and details the involvement of specific producers like Kirk Shaw and Robert Franke. Automaton focuses on the concurrent game sequel, Lollipop Chainsaw 2 Back2Back, emphasizing the 'cute and crazy' aesthetic and the collaboration between Dragami Games, Nada Holdings, and JP Universe, while noting a mistranslation regarding the game's completion status during the event.

Why it matters

The announcement signals a shift in how Japanese video game franchises are being adapted for global audiences, moving beyond anime to live-action cinema. It represents a strategic effort by Asian companies to build worldwide entertainment brands, potentially influencing future adaptations of other cult video game titles. The involvement of high-profile international producers suggests a serious attempt to bridge the gap between niche gaming communities and mainstream film audiences.

What to watch

The next major step is the release of Lollipop Chainsaw 2 Back2Back for PlayStation 5 in 2027, which will likely serve as a platform to build momentum for the film. Further details on the film's cast, director, and release date are expected as the international production team develops the project. The success of the game sequel may also influence the budget and marketing strategy for the live-action adaptation.