Chainsaw Man Creator’s Heartbreaking One-Shot Heads to Live-Action
Tatsuki Fujimoto’s emotional manga Look Back is set for a live-action adaptation helmed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, arriving in 2026. The story follows two young manga artists and their moving journey, previously seen in an animated film.
Fans of Tatsuki Fujimoto are in for a treat, with his much-praised one-shot Look Back set to be reimagined as a live-action film. The announcement came from both Fujimoto’s editor Shihei Lin and the latest chapter of Chainsaw Man, confirming that Hirokazu Kore-eda will direct the adaptation, which is slated for release in 2026. Kore-eda, a filmmaker recognised for his work on Like Father, Like Son (2013) and Shoplifters (2018), brings a wealth of experience to the project.
Look Back, which made waves as an animated feature on Prime Video last year, tells the story of two aspiring teenage manga creators. Fujino, driven and outspoken, and Kyomoto, a quiet and withdrawn classmate, both share dreams of making it big in the manga world. Their partnership, however, faces challenges as their paths begin to diverge, and a sudden tragedy changes everything for the pair.
From Page to Screen
Recently released stills from the upcoming film show the two leads trudging through snow and collaborating on their manga, capturing the story’s emotional core. The adaptation is expected to delve into the nuanced relationship between the characters, exploring themes of ambition, loss, and creative drive.
The original manga’s impact was felt far beyond its initial release, with many readers moved by its honest portrayal of friendship and grief. The animated version, which streamed on Prime Video, introduced the story to a wider audience and set the stage for this new live-action take.
A Big Year for Fujimoto’s Work
The past year has been a busy one for Fujimoto’s fans. Alongside the buzz around Look Back, punters have also enjoyed Chainsaw Man: The Movie – Reze Arc in cinemas. There’s also been an animated anthology, 17-26, which brought some of Fujimoto’s earlier stories to life before Chainsaw Man hit the scene.
Anime in general is having a strong run, with this winter’s line-up featuring titles like Fire Force, the third season of Jujutsu Kaisen, and the return of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Those who’ve been following these series might want to give Look Back a go if they haven’t already.
What’s Next for Fans
For those keen to dive deeper, there are guides available on the ending of the Chainsaw Man film and tips on where to pick up the manga after watching the Reze Arc. With so much happening in the world of anime and manga, it’s a good time to be a fan of Fujimoto’s work.