Crunchyroll’s Anime Film Of The Year Receives A Major Update

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I’m a huge Tatsuki Fujimoto fan, and honestly, I think he’s a true manga genius! Everyone knows him for Chainsaw Man, which is amazing, but those of us who’ve read more of his work know he’s capable of even better. For me, Look Back is a perfect example. He originally published it as a short story back in 2021, and it just got a movie adaptation this year. And wow – both the story and the characters are absolutely incredible! Seriously, it’s been getting rave reviews from everyone who’s seen it.

The movie’s success continued when it won Crunchyroll’s Anime Film of the Year award in 2024, adding to its already impressive achievements. Because the Crunchyroll awards are highly respected, winning one often significantly increases an anime’s popularity, and Look Back benefited from this increased attention, reaching a wider audience.

Look Back Live Action Movie Has Been Announced

Look Back Live Action Movie Will Release In 2026

  • Look Back’s live-action movie will be released in 2026
  • Look Back’s new adaptation will be directed by the legendary Hirokazu Kore-eda

It’s been a fantastic year for fans of Tatsuki Fujimoto! They enjoyed both the highly praised Chainsaw Man movie, focusing on Reze, and the anime adaptation of his manga chapters 17-26. Most series are lucky to get one of those things, but Chainsaw Man fans got both in 2025. And the good news doesn’t stop there – Fujimoto’s Look Back is getting a live-action movie adaptation! The Look Back movie is scheduled for release in 2026, and a specific release date will be announced soon.

The live-action film adaptation of Look Back will be directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, a celebrated Japanese director known for critically acclaimed films like Nobody Knows, Still Walking, Monster, and Shoplifters. His involvement is a major accomplishment for the project, and suggests the film has the potential to be very successful, considering his impressive body of work. Kore-eda has also personally read and enjoyed Look Back, connecting with the author Fujimoto’s storytelling.

While traveling from Kyoto back to Tokyo, I noticed the intriguing cover of a book in a Shinagawa Station bookstore. I impulsively bought it – that’s how I first discovered Look Back. I read it in a single sitting that night. As a creator myself, I was deeply moved by the passion and determination behind the story, even though manga and film are different mediums. It felt clear that the author, Mr. Fujimoto, needed to create this work. For me, Nobody Knows had that same powerful, driving force.

Kore-eda’s new film, Look Back, was filmed in Nikaho City and is currently being edited. Two images from the movie have been released, both featuring Ayumu Fujino and Kyomoto.

When asked about Hirokazu Kore-eda directing the live-action adaptation of Look Back, Fujimoto simply said he was excited and had no further comment. It’s clear that Fujimoto and Kore-eda have a lot of mutual respect for each other’s work.

Chainsaw Man Season 2 Hasn’t Been Announced Yet

The Chainsaw Man Movie: Reze Arc came out in September 2025 and was a hit with viewers, receiving very positive feedback. While it didn’t make quite as much money as Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, it actually received a higher rating on MyAnimeList – currently 9.18. This puts it above popular series like Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, Hunter x Hunter, and Monster.

Honestly, I’m just so tired of having simple breakfasts like toast and jam. I really wish I could eat steak every morning! I know it’s not the healthiest idea, and it’s probably a bad habit, but that’s what I truly want.

Leading up to the movie’s release, many fans hoped for news about the next season of the anime. Sadly, no announcement was made, leaving them feeling let down. Now, fans will need to wait for an official update on social media.

With no recent news, it’s difficult to predict when the new season will be released. MAPPA already has two large projects scheduled for January 2026, making it unlikely they have the resources to begin work on Chainsaw Man Season 2 right away. However, fans still have reason to be optimistic, as Chainsaw Man is confirmed to appear at Jump Festa 2026, and will have a presence at the Jump Super Stage, potentially revealing new information. Considering everything, a release in 2027 seems most realistic, as an earlier release date appears improbable.

Look Back is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

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2025-12-04 20:34