Cult Japanese video game Lollipop Chainsaw is making the jump from consoles to the big screen, with a live-action feature film now in development.
The project, revealed at the Tokyo Game Show, is being developed under license from Dragami Games, the studio behind the franchise. The filmmakers are also positioning the movie as part of a broader effort to create globally recognized entertainment franchises originating in Asia.
Set before the events of the original 2012 game, the film is being developed as an R-rated action comedy centered on Juliet Starling, the iconic San Romero High School cheerleader and zombie hunter.
Juliet comes from a legendary family of zombie hunters, but her skills are put to the ultimate test when a devastating zombie outbreak sweeps through her school. As the undead take over, she must battle her way through the chaos to rescue her friends, protect her family and keep her boyfriend, Nick, by her side — even if saving him requires some decidedly unconventional measures.
The movie is being developed by an international creative and production team that includes Nada Holdings CEO Joe Teng (As One), former ZDF Studios drama chief Robert Franke and his Orange Chariot production company, Throne Inc. managing director Takafumi Yuki, Ambitious Entertainment’s Kirk Shaw and Chris Philip, and Non Stop TV’s Patricio Rabuffetti.
First released in 2012, Lollipop Chainsaw developed a dedicated cult following and has sold more than 1.5 million copies worldwide. The franchise returned in 2024 with Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP, a remastered version of the original game.
The live-action movie is the latest expansion of the franchise, with a new Lollipop Chainsaw video game also on the way alongside an animated series.
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