Gkids Acquires Distribution Rights for Hirokazu Kore-eda's 'Look Back'

Gkids has secured the U.S., Canadian, U.K., and Irish distribution rights for "Look Back," a live-action adaptation of the acclaimed manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto. Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, a Palme d’Or winner known for films like "Shoplifters," this project marks the first live-action version of Fujimoto's coming-of-age story. The film, currently in post-production, was filmed in Nikaho City, Japan, and is slated for a theatrical release in Japan in 2026, followed by releases in North America and Europe.

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Originally published on Shonen Jump+ in 2021, the "Look Back" manga quickly gained popularity, amassing 2.5 million views on its first day and over 4 million views within two days. It has sold more than 900,000 copies in Japan and has been translated into 37 languages, with over 750,000 copies sold internationally. The manga has also received critical acclaim, including a nomination at the 2023 Eisner Awards.

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Kore-eda expressed his deep connection to the source material, recounting his first encounter with the manga at a bookstore in Shinagawa Station. He described feeling an urgent need to adapt the work, stating, “Though manga and film are different genres, as a fellow creator, I felt the desperate resolve behind this work.” He emphasized the emotional weight of Fujimoto's narrative, which resonated with his own experiences as a filmmaker.

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Gkids Vice President of Distribution Chance Huskey highlighted the company's excitement about bringing "Look Back" to audiences, praising Kore-eda's storytelling prowess and Fujimoto's impact on contemporary manga. Huskey noted that Gkids aims to expand its portfolio into live-action films that reflect artistry and emotional depth, making "Look Back" a fitting addition.

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Kore-eda remarked on the respect and admiration shown by the Gkids team for both the original manga and the creative staff involved in the film. He stated, “I am truly delighted that, through Gkids, this work will be released in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland.” This sentiment underscores the collaborative spirit behind the adaptation.

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As Gkids prepares for the film's release, they are also set to distribute other notable titles, including Takashi Yamazaki’s "Godzilla Minus Zero." The acquisition of "Look Back" signifies Gkids' ongoing commitment to bringing innovative and culturally significant stories to a global audience.

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• “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 and for having the chance to encounter it by chance on my own. 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.” — Hirokazu Kore-eda, Director

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• “We are thrilled to bring ‘Look Back’ to audiences in North America, the U.K. and Ireland. Hirokazu Kore-eda is a master storyteller whose work continues to define contemporary world cinema, while Tatsuki Fujimoto has emerged as one of the most impactful mangaka’s of the past decade. 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. ‘Look Back’ is a perfect expression of that vision and we are honored to be working with one of our favorite filmmakers taking on this incredible story.” — Chance Huskey, Gkids VP of Distribution

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• “I am truly delighted that, through Gkids, this work will be released in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland.” — Hirokazu Kore-eda, Director

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This adaptation of "Look Back" not only represents a significant cultural exchange but also highlights the growing intersection of manga and film in contemporary storytelling.

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