GKids has announced its acquisition of the North American and U.K./Ireland distribution rights for Look Back, the upcoming film directed by acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda. This marks the first live-action adaptation of the popular manga created by Tatsuki Fujimoto, known for his work on Chainsaw Man. The coming-of-age drama follows two schoolgirls, one of whom struggles with severe social anxiety, as they pursue their dream of becoming manga artists.
“We are thrilled to bring Look Back to audiences in North America, the UK, and Ireland,” said Chance Huskey, GKids’ Vice President of Distribution. Huskey negotiated the deal with Eva Diederix from Goodfellas, the sales agent for all international territories outside of Asia. He praised Kore-eda as a “master storyteller” and highlighted the significant impact Fujimoto has had as a mangaka over the past decade.
Originally published as a one-shot web manga on Shonen Jump+ in 2021, Look Back quickly became a sensation, amassing more than 4 million views within just two days. The printed version has since sold over 900,000 copies in Japan and an additional 750,000 internationally. The manga was also nominated for the 2023 Eisner Awards in the category of Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Asia.
Kore-eda’s adaptation follows a planned animated version of Look Back, directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama, which GKids released in North America. The animated feature received a nomination for Best Animated Feature—Independent at the Annie Awards. Kore-eda, whose work includes the award-winning film Shoplifters, has a busy schedule ahead, with the release of Sheep in a Box also set for 2026. This drama, about a couple who adopts a high-tech humanoid child, is produced by Fuji Television Network, Gaga Corporation, and Toho, and is anticipated as a contender at the Cannes Film Festival.
Currently in post-production, Look Back is expected to premiere later in 2026, possibly at the Venice Film Festival. The live-action film was shot in Nikaho City, located in northern Japan. Producer Daiju Koide is working under his K2 Pictures banner, which will handle distribution in Japan.
Kore-eda reflected on the creative process, stating, “Though manga and film are different genres, as a fellow creator, I felt the desperate resolve behind this work. I could feel, almost painfully, that Mr. Fujimoto simply couldn’t move forward without creating this piece.” He compared this urgency to his own beginning as a filmmaker with Nobody Knows, his breakthrough film released in 2004.
GKids’ acquisition of Look Back signals the company’s ongoing commitment to expanding its portfolio into live-action features. This follows the success of Kokuho, a post-World War II drama that has become the highest-grossing Japanese live-action film of all time. GKids has also secured the rights to Godzilla Minus Zero, the upcoming sequel to Godzilla Minus One, scheduled for release later this year.
“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,” Huskey stated. He added that Look Back exemplifies this vision, expressing enthusiasm about collaborating with one of the industry’s most respected filmmakers.
