GKIDS has announced it will distribute the upcoming anime adaptation of All You Need Is Kill in theaters across multiple territories, including North America, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. The film, produced by Warner Bros. Japan and STUDIO4°C, is based on the acclaimed science fiction light novel by Hiroshi Sakurazaka and illustrated by Yoshitoshi ABe.
The anime will make its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France, which runs from June 8 to 14.
Cast and Production
- Ai Mikami voices Rita, a battle-hardened elite soldier who has shut herself off emotionally.
- Natsuki Hanae plays Keiji, a reluctant recruit who hides his fear behind a smile.
Kenichiro Akimoto (Children of the Sea, Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko) directs the film at STUDIO4°C. This adaptation presents the story from a new narrative angle, distinct from both the original novel and the 2014 Hollywood film Edge of Tomorrow, which starred Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt.
Rising singer-songwriter AKASAKI performs the theme song “Tsuretette,” written specifically for the film. This marks AKASAKI’s debut contribution to anime music.
About the Story
Set in a future where Earth is under siege by alien invaders known as Mimics, the novel follows Keiji Kiriya, a new recruit in humanity’s powered armor infantry. Killed in his first battle, Keiji finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over. With each loop, he gains experience, growing into a more capable fighter—and becoming increasingly drawn to the legendary soldier Rita Vrataski.
Source Material and Legacy
Originally published by Shueisha in 2004, All You Need Is Kill was released in English by Viz Media in 2009 as the launch title for its Haikasoru sci-fi imprint. The novel later inspired a manga adaptation by Takeshi Obata (Death Note) and Ryōsuke Takeuchi, which ran in Young Jump in 2014 and is also available in English from Viz. A full-color graphic novel version, adapted by Nick Mamatas with art by Lee Ferguson, was published the same year.
The story gained international fame with its Hollywood adaptation Edge of Tomorrow, which grossed over $370 million worldwide, including $100 million in the U.S. and $15 million in Japan.
GKIDS has not yet announced the theatrical release date for the anime, but additional details are expected following its Annecy debut.
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