The Lollipop Chainsaw franchise is officially making the jump to live-action. During a presentation at this year's Tokyo Game Show, producers Kirk Shaw and Robert Franke confirmed that a film adaptation is currently in development. The project aims for a global reach, with a production team that includes Nada Holdings founder Joe Teng, Throne Inc. managing director Takafumi Yūki, and Non Stop TV president Patricio Rabuffetti. Officials clarified that this film project is distinct from the previously announced anime adaptation.
The announcement arrived alongside news of a new entry in the gaming series, Lollipop Chainsaw 2 Back2Back, which is slated for a 2027 release on PlayStation 5. The sequel is being developed by JP Universe under the direction of Hajime Tabata, known for his work on Final Fantasy XV. The original game's writer, Masahiro Yuki, and character designer NekoshowguN are also returning to contribute to the new title.
This expansion follows a period of significant activity for the IP since Dragami Games acquired the rights from Kadokawa Games in 2022. The franchise recently saw the release of Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP, a remaster of the 2012 original that hit major consoles and PC throughout 2024 and 2025. With both a new game and a live-action film now on the horizon, the series is seeing a major resurgence more than a decade after its initial debut.
Given the involvement of high-profile producers from outside the traditional anime sphere, it remains to be seen how the film will balance the original game's distinct aesthetic with a broader Hollywood approach. Does the shift toward live-action and a new sequel suggest a long-term strategy to revitalize the brand as a multi-media franchise?
