‘Lollipop Chainsaw’: Cult Japanese Video Game Getting The Live Action Feature Treatment

EXCLUSIVE: Cult Japanese video game Lollipop Chainsaw is heading to the big screen.

Deadline can reveal that a live action feature version is in the works as the game’s creators look to establish “a new model for building globally recognized entertainment franchises from Asia.” The latest Lollipop Chainsaw video game launches soon alongside an animated series.

Set before the events of the original game and envisioned as an R-rated action comedy, the Lollipop Chainsaw film follows protagonist Juliet Starling, a San Romero High School cheerleader born into a legendary family of zombie hunters. When a catastrophic zombie outbreak engulfs her school, Juliet must fight her way through the undead to save her friends, protect her family, and somehow keep her boyfriend Nick close – even if doing so ultimately requires some highly unconventional arrangements.

Unveiled today at the Tokyo Game Show, the movie comes under license from Dragami Games and is being put together by an international creative and production team comprising Nada Holdings boss Joe Teng (As One), former ZDF Studios drama boss Robert Franke and his Orange Chariot indie, Throne Inc MD Takafumi Yuki, Ambitious Entertainment’s Kirk Shaw and Non Stop TV’s Patricio Rabuffetti.

Released in 2012, Lollipop Chainsaw has over the years become a cult hit that has sold more than 1.5 million copies worldwide. A remastered edition, Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP, came out two years ago.

Dragami Games President Shohei Sato said: “We are truly excited to see our vision take another important step with the franchise’s first live-action feature film. We are especially pleased to be working with such an experienced and passionate international team— one that understands what makes Lollipop Chainsaw special while embracing the opportunity to create something new.”

Franke added: “We are making a film that feels unmistakably true to the spirit of Lollipop Chainsaw while standing completely on its own. Longtime fans will recognize the attitude, irreverence, and glorious excess they love, while newcomers can simply enjoy an unforgettable action-horror comedy. Our ambition is to create a film that entertains audiences everywhere, whether they’ve played the game or not.”