A new live-action adaptation of the popular video game Lollipop Chainsaw has been officially announced, featuring notable producers and a fresh take on the franchise.
A live-action adaptation of the cult classic video game Lollipop Chainsaw has been confirmed, marking a significant development in the franchise. The announcement was made public by Anime News Network on September 19, 2026.
This new project will be produced by Kirk Shaw, known for his work on The Hurt Locker, alongside Robert Franke from Concordia. Additional producers include Takafumi Yūki, managing director of Throne Inc., and Patricio Rabuffetti, president of Non Stop TV.
Originally released in June 2012, Lollipop Chainsaw is a hack-and-slash zombie game developed by Grasshopper Manufacture in collaboration with filmmaker James Gunn. The game gained a loyal fanbase for its unique blend of humor, horror, and stylish gameplay. The recent revival of interest in the franchise has included the release of a remaster titled Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP, which was launched digitally in September 2024 for multiple platforms.
The announcement of the live-action film comes on the heels of notable news from the franchise, including the reveal of Lollipop Chainsaw 2: Back2Back, a sequel game set to launch for the PlayStation 5 in 2027. Directed by Hajime Tabata, known for Final Fantasy XV, this sequel further emphasizes the revitalization of the Lollipop Chainsaw brand.
Additionally, Yoshimi Yasuda, former CEO of Kadokawa Games and current CEO of Dragami Games, has played a crucial role in these developments. Yasuda purchased the rights to the Lollipop Chainsaw IP from Kadokawa Games, which divested parts of its business to form Dragami Games.
The announcement of a live-action Lollipop Chainsaw film has potential to engage both longtime fans of the game and new audiences unfamiliar with the original content. The unique premise, which revolves around a cheerleader battling zombies with a chainsaw, is primed for creative reinterpretation on the big screen. Given current trends in adapting video games into films and series, this project aims to capitalize on that momentum.
As fans await more details on casting, direction, and production styles, there is considerable anticipation surrounding the film's treatment of beloved characters and storylines. The strong backgrounds of the creative team in film and television suggest an ambitious project that honors the source material.
The announcement of the Lollipop Chainsaw live-action film solidifies the franchise's dynamic resurgence, following a remaster and an upcoming sequel game. As the project evolves, fans will be eager to see how the film translates the game's eccentric charm into a cinematic experience. More updates on casting and production details are highly anticipated as the premiere date approaches.
For those interested in other recent adaptations, check out our coverage on Netflix and Sega's Crazy Taxi Game-to-Film Adaptation and the announcement of Andrew Scott reprising his role in ‘Sea Wall’ Off-Broadway for a film capture.
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: Anime News Network. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.
