Japanese production studio K2 Pictures recently announced that Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga Look Back will be getting a live action adaptation in 2026. The one-shot manga already got an anime film adaptation in 2024 (to extremely favorable reception), so another theatrical release so soon did come as a bit of a surprise. However, it seems like there’s already quite some hype surrounding the upcoming live-action film, and that’s because it was revealed that none other than Hirokazu Kore-eda has taken the director’s seat for the new adaptation. Tatsuki Fujimoto, the original author of Look Back, also praised Kore-eda’s direction style, stating that he’s very excited for the film to come out.
Though Hirokazu Kore-eda started out directing for television, throughout his career he has created numerous critically acclaimed and cult classic feature films. Some of them include Shoplifters (2018), which won the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or, Nobody Knows (2004), Still Walking (2008) and Like Father, Like Son (2013).
Throughout the years, live-action adaptations of 2D works have proven to be quite hit-or-miss (and are sometimes very obviously quick cash-grabs). However, thanks to Kore-eda’s track record and cult status among cinephiles, it seems that this time even the people who generally aren’t fond of live-action adaptations of manga are willing to give the upcoming remake of Look Back a shot.
Post translation:
“Look Back live action adaptation” – Huuuuuuh!?!? What are you even thinking you shit-for-brains!!!!! This is precisely why I’m so done with everything and anything getting a live action adaptation!!!! Why don’t you sell it as a teen idol project as well while you’re at it?!?!?!?
“But it’s directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda” – Oh…I see…Let me watch the film first…and till then I’ll keep my mouth shut
Post translation:
Look Back live action adaptation – Stop
Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda – Now that’s a different story
Recently, Tatsuki Fujimoto also made an official comment regarding the adaptation, detailing on his first encounter with a Kore-eda directed-film and the impact it had left on him.
Translation:
“The first Hirokazu Kore-eda film I saw was Our Little Sister. Details like the interior of the house where the protagonist newly moved in and the furniture in the town’s restaurant were so full of life, which made the story feel real and convincing. The minor performances which didn’t have anything to do with the story also made it feel like the characters were living their daily lives even when we can’t see them, and that left a strong impression on me. If director Kore-eda is going to be the one to shoot Look Back, then I have nothing left to say. I can’t wait for it to come out!”
Look Back, directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, is set to premiere in 2026. According to the director, the production team has already wrapped up shooting, and the film has entered the editing stage.
