Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Look Back Live-Action Film: Why This 2026 Adaptation Is My Most Anticipated Movie

Before the year kicks off with new film and TV releases, and we become engrossed in the usual online discussions, I wanted to share my thoughts and feelings about Hirokazu Kore-eda's upcoming movie "Look Back." The film I'm most eagerly anticipating in 2026 is undoubtedly the live-action adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto's hit manga.

In December 2025, it was announced that Tatsuki Fujimoto's 2021 one-shot manga "Look Back" would be adapted into a live-action film, with Hirokazu Kore-eda, known for "Still Walking," serving as director, screenwriter, and editor. This adaptation marks the first live-action version of Fujimoto's works, who is also the creator of the highly popular manga/anime "Chainsaw-Man," and signifies Kore-eda's return to his typical style of taking on the triple role of director, screenwriter, and editor.

As a self-proclaimed Kore-eda "fanboy" and a massive fan of Fujimoto's work, this coming together of creative heroes is more than I could have ever asked for. However, it also makes perfect sense, and I couldn't have picked anyone better for the job of adapting one of Fujimoto's most complex and emotional stories than Kore-eda himself.

Japanese posters for the live-action adaptation of Look Back

Look Back follows Ayumu Fujino and Kyomoto, two aspiring manga artists who form an unlikely partnership in their school newspaper. Their competitive, yet deeply supportive, friendship fuels their creative ambition until a sudden, shocking act of violence changes everything. The story is a raw exploration of the joy and agony of creation, the burden of talent, and the paralyzing guilt that follows tragedy. Fujimoto, in many ways, poured his own anxieties about being an artist into this single, powerful narrative.

This short plot summary brings to mind Kore-eda and his humanistic approach to filmmaking, which masterfully emphasizes individuals and their challenges in his works. Kore-eda is well-versed in crafting and directing narratives about struggling creatives; the protagonists in Still Walking and After the Storm are both writers facing difficulties, who become lost amidst personal tragedies and family issues. In essence, the production team couldn't have chosen a more fitting and esteemed director for this project.

Shortly after the news was announced, Kore-eda discussed this upcoming project in an interview, mentioning that he was instantly captivated by Look Back when he stumbled upon it in a bookstore and read it all at once. As a creator himself, he deeply connected with the story's emotional depth and creative urgency, sensing that the author couldn't have progressed without creating it. After meeting Fujimoto, he felt a strong obligation to undertake the project, describing it as something he "had no choice but to do," considering the adaptation not merely as a film job but as a significant artistic duty.

After his interview, I felt even more excited than before because this isn't simply about a renowned director being hired for the right price. Instead, it's his passion and love for the source material that motivated him to pursue making a film about Fujimoto's creation.

On a personal note, it was enjoyable to watch the anime community's reaction to this news, particularly from those unfamiliar with Kore-eda. This is undoubtedly a significant introduction that I believe will greatly enhance his recognition beyond just cinephiles. I just hope he doesn't end up being pigeonholed into adapting manga/anime stories.

I'm not entirely certain about the goal of this article, but I felt the need to express my thoughts on this film and its significance, hopefully for the broader community as well. I just hope I won't have to wait a year, as I typically do with Kore-eda's releases, to see it. However, the film will likely be available on Prime, similar to many other Fujimoto projects outside of Chainsawman.

I appreciate those who have read this far into my ramblings! I hope the beginning of the year has been kind to you, and may all your dreams and goals be fulfilled this year. Thank you!