Full Breakdown
Lollipop Chainsaw Live-Action Film Unveiled at Tokyo Game Show
By Drooid · · How we work
Film Announcement and Core Details
At the Tokyo Game Show 2026, Dragami Games announced a live-action feature film based on the cult zombie-action title Lollipop Chainsaw. The R-rated action comedy is set as a prequel to the 2012 game, following high-school cheerleader-turned-zombie hunter Juliet Starling as a catastrophic zombie outbreak engulfs her school. Juliet must battle the undead to protect friends and family while keeping her boyfriend Nick close, even if “highly unconventional arrangements” are required.
Production Team and International Collaboration
The film is being produced by an international consortium:
- Joe Teng – founder and CEO of Nada Holdings (Taiwan)
- Robert Franke – former drama head at ZDF Studios
- Takafumi Yuki – managing director of Throne Inc. (As One)
- Kirk Shaw – senior executive at Ambitious Entertainment
- Patricio Rabuffetti – president of Non Stop TV
- Shohei Sato – president of Dragami Games
These producers are described as an “experienced and passionate international team” tasked with translating the franchise’s “attitude, irreverence, and glorious excess” to a global cinematic audience.
Franchise Background
The original Lollipop Chainsaw launched in June 2012 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, developed by Grasshopper Manufacture and published by Kadokawa Games and Warner Bros. Interactive. It sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide and earned a cult following.
- 2022 – Dragami Games announced a remaster, Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP.
- September 2024 – RePOP released digitally for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC.
- May 28 – The Switch 2 version debuted earlier this year.
- 2027 – A sequel game, Lollipop Chainsaw 2 Back2Back, is slated for PlayStation 5, developed by Dragami Games, NADA Holdings, and JP Universe under director Hajime Tabata.
Official Statements & Responses
Dragami Games president Shohei Sato expressed enthusiasm for the film, noting that the project “takes another important step” for the franchise and highlights the team’s understanding of what makes Lollipop Chainsaw special while pursuing new creative ground.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are truly excited to see our vision take another important step with the franchise’s first live-action feature film. We are especially pleased to be working with such an experienced and passionate international team— one that understands what makes Lollipop Chainsaw special while embracing the opportunity to create something new.” — Robert Franke
- “We are making a film that feels unmistakably true to the spirit of Lollipop Chainsaw while standing completely on its own,” — Robert Franke
Data & Statistics
- Original game sales: >1.5 million copies (global).
- RePOP remaster launch: 2024 (digital worldwide).
- Upcoming sequel game launch: 2027 for PlayStation 5.
- Film status: announced, pre-production underway; no cast or release date disclosed.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- No information on the film’s cast, director, or scheduled release has been provided.
- While some outlets reported a “99 % complete” status for the sequel game, the claim was later clarified as a mistranslation; developers indicated they cannot yet discuss the majority of the game’s content.
What’s Next
Dragami Games and its international partners will continue development of the live-action film throughout 2026-2027, with further details on casting, production milestones, and a potential release window expected in future announcements. The sequel game Lollipop Chainsaw 2 Back2Back remains on track for its 2027 launch.