Japanese horror manga Noah of the Blood Sea (Kekkai no Noah) is heading to the big screen, with Los Angeles-based production company Tyrus Pictures developing a feature film adaptation of the supernatural thriller.
Created by Yu Satomi and published by Japanese publisher Takeshobo, the five-volume manga centres on a group of passengers embarking on what initially appears to be an idyllic luxury cruise. However, their dream voyage quickly turns into a nightmare when passengers begin mysteriously disappearing, leaving those onboard fighting for their survival.
Combining supernatural horror, psychological suspense and survival thriller elements, the story offers a chilling premise that could translate into an atmospheric cinematic experience.
Tyrus Pictures has secured the film adaptation rights from Takeshobo, with Michael Zelman and Hamid Mokhneche attached to produce. The company is currently targeting a production start in 2027.
Mokhneche expressed his enthusiasm for bringing Satomi’s work to the screen, highlighting the manga’s cinematic potential and distinctive supernatural mythology.
“What immediately drew me to Noah of the Blood Sea was its extraordinary cinematic potential,” Mokhneche said. “The combination of a luxury cruise ship, an unnerving atmosphere and a distinctive supernatural mythology creates the foundation for a compelling horror film. We’re excited to work with Takeshobo to bring Yu Satomi’s vision to the screen while staying true to what makes the original manga so distinctive.”
The project also has the support of its original creators and publisher. Atsushi Kimura, Deputy General Manager at Takeshobo, said both he and Satomi were excited to see how the manga’s distinctive visual identity and unique world would translate to the big screen.
Shin Ogasawara, Deputy Corporate Officer at Takeshobo, also praised the production company’s understanding of the source material and its commitment to preserving the elements that make the original story unique.
The adaptation arrives amid growing international interest in Japanese entertainment properties, with titles such as Godzilla Minus One and One Piece demonstrating the global appeal of Japanese storytelling.
Meanwhile, Noah of the Blood Sea has already reached readers internationally through translated editions in Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Brazil, South Korea and Thailand. A Taiwanese edition is also in development, while an English-language release is planned for North America.
Tyrus Pictures was launched by Zelman and Mokhneche with ambitions to produce one to two feature films annually, with budgets ranging from approximately $5 million to $50 million. The company is continuing to expand its international development slate, seeking distinctive stories and intellectual properties from around the world.
With production targeting 2027, Noah of the Blood Sea could bring another intriguing Japanese horror property to international audiences. Casting, directing and screenwriting details have yet to be announced.
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