The Tokyo Game Show brought thrilling news for fans of the cult classic game, Lollipop Chainsaw. During the "Lollipop Chainsaw New Project" presentation on Saturday, it was officially announced that the beloved franchise is being adapted into a live-action film, aiming for a global "Hollywood" appeal.
Lollipop Chainsaw Film Adaptation Revealed
The live-action film project is set to bring the unique world of Lollipop Chainsaw to a wider audience. Kirk Shaw, known for his work as an associate producer on "The Hurt Locker," and Robert Franke, former Vice President of Drama at ZDF Studios with credits like "Concordia" and "Benidorm Is Murder," are spearheading the production. Their stated goal is to create a film that resonates with viewers worldwide, capturing the essence of the game's blend of horror, humor, and action.
Nada Holdings founder Joe Teng confirmed the live-action nature of the film, emphasizing that it is a distinct endeavor from the previously announced anime adaptation plans. This multi-pronged approach signals a significant expansion for the Lollipop Chainsaw universe. The production team further broadened with the inclusion of Takafumi Yūki, managing director of Throne Inc., and Patricio Rabuffetti, president of Non Stop TV, ensuring a robust and experienced group behind the project.
New Game Lollipop Chainsaw 2 Back2Back
Alongside the film announcement, fans were treated to details about a brand-new game in the franchise. Nada Holdings and Dragami Games revealed "Lollipop Chainsaw 2 Back2Back," slated for a PlayStation 5 release in 2027. This sequel promises to build upon the original's legacy with an impressive development team.
Hajime Tabata, renowned director of "Final Fantasy XV," is directing "Lollipop Chainsaw 2 Back2Back" through his company, JP Universe. The narrative will be crafted by Masahiro Yuki, the original game's writer, ensuring continuity in storytelling. Furthermore, NekoshowguN, the character designer from the first game, is also involved, promising familiar yet fresh character aesthetics for the new installment.
Notably, Nada Holdings had previously indicated that its new projects, including this game, would not impose "excessive creative restrictions in the name of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)." While specific details on how this approach will manifest remain to be seen, it highlights a particular creative philosophy for the new game.
The Franchise's Expanding Universe
The film and new game announcements are part of a broader strategy initiated by Taiwan's Nada Holdings and Dragami Games. Back in July 2025, the companies had announced plans for both a new game and an anime adaptation for the Lollipop Chainsaw franchise. With the live-action film now confirmed as a separate entity from the anime, the universe is truly expanding across multiple media formats.
Fans also recently experienced a refreshed version of the original game. "Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP," a remaster, launched digitally in September 2024 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC via Steam. An earlier release for the Switch 2 version debuted in May of the same year, allowing both veteran players and newcomers to experience the original hack-and-slash zombie action with updated visuals and performance.
Legacy and Future of Lollipop Chainsaw
The original "Lollipop Chainsaw" launched globally in June 2012 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Developed by Grasshopper Manufacture, it was published by Kadokawa Games and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game was a notable collaboration between the visionary Gōichi Suda (Suda51) and filmmaker James Gunn, whose distinctive styles left an indelible mark on the title.
The journey of the franchise's IP has seen some significant developments. In July 2022, Yoshimi Yasuda, current CEO of Dragami Games and former CEO of Kadokawa Games, announced that his company had acquired the IP from Kadokawa Games. This acquisition, supported by Warner Bros., resolved the game's uncertain status and paved the way for its revival. Dragami Games itself was established in May 2022 by Yasuda and Satoshi Fuyuno, following Kadokawa Games' divestment of part of its business.
With a live-action film, a new flagship game, and an anime adaptation all on the horizon, the future of the Lollipop Chainsaw franchise appears brighter and more ambitious than ever before. The dedication of producers, acclaimed game developers, and the original creative team suggests an exciting new era for Juliet Starling and her zombie-slaying adventures, promising a thrilling experience for fans across the globe.
