Filming Begins in Japan for Takashi Miike’s Latest Horror Project
EXCLUSIVE: Production has commenced in Japan for an exciting new horror film directed by Takashi Miike, currently known only as the "untitled Kyoto movie". The film boasts a stellar cast including Charli xcx, Milly Alcock, Norman Reedus, Kiko Mizuhara, and Show Kasamatsu.
Hailey Benton Gates, who appeared alongside Charli xcx in A24’s The Moment and is set to feature in the same studio’s upcoming film The Drama with Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, has secured a crucial role in this project.
Live Nation Studios, the cinematic and television production arm of the entertainment behemoth Live Nation, is on board as executive producer and will also provide financial backing for the film. Additionally, Aidan Zamiri has been announced as a producer. Zamiri’s recent credits include co-writing and directing The Moment, which premiered at Sundance.
Plot Details Revealed
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Kyoto, the film is a slasher horror narrative centered around three best friends who come together for a seemingly joyful girls’ getaway. The vacation takes a dark turn when Katie (played by Charli xcx) is overtaken by a malevolent and anguished spirit (portrayed by Mizuhara), plunging the group into a horrifying ordeal rooted in classic Japanese horror themes.
The script, springing from an original concept by Charli xcx and Miike, is penned by Ross Evans and Yumiko Aoyagi.
Charli xcx is also involved in production through her studio365 banner. She joins forces with Misako Saka, a long-term collaborator of Miike, who produces under OLM alongside Live Nation Studios and Good World Productions. The team of executive producers includes Michael Rapino and Kroft from Live Nation Studios, alongside Youree Henley, Alex Peace-Power, and Evans.
International distribution rights were introduced by The Veterans and CAA Media Finance at the European Film Market in Berlin.
Additional Background on Key Figures
Gates, known for her modeling work and as the host of States of Undress, also directed the Sundance 2025 winner Atropia, which recently saw a domestic release through Vertical. Nexus Point News was the first to break the news about her negotiations to join Miike’s film.
Live Nation Studios has a history of supporting films with significant musical themes, such as the Oscar-winning A Star Is Born, Moonage Daydream, and Hurry Up Tomorrow.
Ryan Kroft, Head of Film & Television at Live Nation Studios, expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting the studio’s commitment to empowering artists to tell compelling stories that transcend traditional stage performances. He emphasized that this film exemplifies the type of creative collaborations they strive to promote, involving distinguished filmmakers whose unique visions resonate with audiences worldwide.
In terms of representation, Gates is managed by WME, while Zamiri’s affairs are handled by Gang, Tyre.
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