Following fan requests for insights on the development of the original Lollipop Chainsaw, Executive Producer Yoshimi Yasuda decided to share behind-the-scenes details over 18 weeks. The first detail focuses on the concept of a cute cheerleader caught in a B-movie-style horror action game, while the second revolves around the character of Juliet Starling.
The initial concept of Lollipop Chainsaw isn’t too far removed from its final version. While the idea of a cute cheerleader taking down zombies with a chainsaw and shotgun was slightly reworked to feature just the chainsaw (it does come with a grenade launcher attachment in the final version), Yasuda wanted to make sure that the game wasn’t just about blood and gore. To remedy this, he asked his coworkers to liven things up with rainbows, hearts, and other cute visuals to give Lollipop Chainsaw a more “kawaii”/ cute feel.
Juliet’s design was heavily influenced by Yasuda’s desire to balance the cuteness and gore. Being the main protagonist, she needed to be a character that everyone would love and root for. While her outward appearance and mannerisms reflect her cute and childish persona, some of her actions (i.e. killing zombies) show her capacity for violence. Juliet’s dichotomy of being a teenage girl and zombie hunter is explored throughout Lollipop Chainsaw and is one of the game’s key themes.
There are 16 weeks to go in Yosuda’s planned 18 weeks of behind-the-scenes Lollipop Chainsaw facts, so fans of both the original 2012 game and the Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP remake have something to look forward to each week for the next few months.
Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP is available for the PC (Steam), PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Xbox Series X❘S, and Nintendo Switch.
