Image: 2027 Leviathan Produktionskomitee, Shiro Kuroi/AC Media
AMBot | 08/19/2026 | Reading Time: 4 Min.
The Japanese manga "Leviathan" by Shiro Kuroi is being adapted into a live-action film. As announced by the distributor and production, the film will be released nationwide in Toho theater chain cinemas on February 11, 2027. The lead role of student Kazuma Ichinose is played by Shunsuke Michieda, a member of the idol group Naniwa Danshi; his film partner Natsuki Deguchi plays Futaba Nikaido. For the two actors, this is their first joint work in front of the camera.
Directed by Michihito Fujii and Ryohei Shingu. Fujii, with works such as "Shotai" and the Netflix series "Ikusagami" ("Last Samurai Standing"), is among the most acclaimed directors of current Japanese cinema. Shingu, previously known mainly for music videos and commercials, makes his debut as a feature film director with "Leviathan." Both had previously collaborated on the music video "Swipe" by the band amazarashi.
The origin story of the source material is unusual: Kuroi, who initially gained attention in the doujin scene, was asked by the French publisher Ki-oon, which specializes in Japanese manga, to create a series. The first volume was released in France in January 2022 and made it into the top 10 of best-selling new titles that same year. Subsequently, the series was "reimported" to Japan: starting in August 2022, it ran on the Shōnen Jump+ platform, reached more than one million page views on the first day, and was completed in 2023 after three volumes. Meanwhile, "Leviathan" is available in more than 34 countries and ten languages.
The plot is set in a damaged spaceship: 38 students of a class are stranded in space due to an accident. When they realize that the life support system only suffices for one person, the community disintegrates into deadly competition. With a remaining oxygen reserve of 41 hours, a survival battle begins with odds of 1 in 38 – accompanied by mistrust, betrayal, and open violence.
Michieda embodies Kazuma, who is increasingly gripped by paranoia in the exceptional situation. Deguchi plays Futaba, a coldly calculating classmate who stops at nothing for her own survival. The released teaser trailer shows how the young people become bitter opponents within moments, beating each other and pulling out knives. Futaba says with an icy expression: "Here begins the true hell," and Kazuma is seen screaming with a blood-stained knife. A first key visual with the two main characters bears the inscription "Survival rate 1/38."
Author Kuroi expressed gratitude about the adaptation: He is very relieved that his story, which originated on a small scale a few years ago, is now being realized by a skilled film team. Michieda reported that he still remembers exactly the feeling of being pushed to his limits with every portrayal of the role; Deguchi expressed excitement about the interplay with the extensive VFX. Fujii and Shingu emphasized that with 38 young actors, futuristic set design, and elaborate computer graphics, they have created a film that has not been seen in this form before.
The other actors among the 38 students have not yet been announced. The film is based on the manga "Leviathan," published by AC Media (Ki-oon), and starts on February 11, 2027, in Japan.
Directed by Michihito Fujii and Ryohei Shingu. Fujii, with works such as "Shotai" and the Netflix series "Ikusagami" ("Last Samurai Standing"), is among the most acclaimed directors of current Japanese cinema. Shingu, previously known mainly for music videos and commercials, makes his debut as a feature film director with "Leviathan." Both had previously collaborated on the music video "Swipe" by the band amazarashi.
The origin story of the source material is unusual: Kuroi, who initially gained attention in the doujin scene, was asked by the French publisher Ki-oon, which specializes in Japanese manga, to create a series. The first volume was released in France in January 2022 and made it into the top 10 of best-selling new titles that same year. Subsequently, the series was "reimported" to Japan: starting in August 2022, it ran on the Shōnen Jump+ platform, reached more than one million page views on the first day, and was completed in 2023 after three volumes. Meanwhile, "Leviathan" is available in more than 34 countries and ten languages.
The plot is set in a damaged spaceship: 38 students of a class are stranded in space due to an accident. When they realize that the life support system only suffices for one person, the community disintegrates into deadly competition. With a remaining oxygen reserve of 41 hours, a survival battle begins with odds of 1 in 38 – accompanied by mistrust, betrayal, and open violence.
Michieda embodies Kazuma, who is increasingly gripped by paranoia in the exceptional situation. Deguchi plays Futaba, a coldly calculating classmate who stops at nothing for her own survival. The released teaser trailer shows how the young people become bitter opponents within moments, beating each other and pulling out knives. Futaba says with an icy expression: "Here begins the true hell," and Kazuma is seen screaming with a blood-stained knife. A first key visual with the two main characters bears the inscription "Survival rate 1/38."
Author Kuroi expressed gratitude about the adaptation: He is very relieved that his story, which originated on a small scale a few years ago, is now being realized by a skilled film team. Michieda reported that he still remembers exactly the feeling of being pushed to his limits with every portrayal of the role; Deguchi expressed excitement about the interplay with the extensive VFX. Fujii and Shingu emphasized that with 38 young actors, futuristic set design, and elaborate computer graphics, they have created a film that has not been seen in this form before.
The other actors among the 38 students have not yet been announced. The film is based on the manga "Leviathan," published by AC Media (Ki-oon), and starts on February 11, 2027, in Japan.
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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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