A cult Japanese video game about a cheerleader who kills zombies is coming to the big screen, and Deadline has the exclusive details.
The live-action feature adaptation of Lollipop Chainsaw was unveiled today at the Tokyo Game Show. The film is set before the events of the original game and is described as an R-rated action comedy. It follows Juliet Starling, a San Romero High School cheerleader whose family has a long history of hunting zombies. When a catastrophic 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.
“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.”
Juliet Starling’s World
Juliet Starling is the star of the show. She is a cheerleader at San Romero High School whose family has a long history of hunting zombies. When the outbreak hits, she must fight through the undead to survive.
The film is described as an R-rated action comedy, which means audiences can expect violence, gore, and jokes. The premise itself is absurd enough to make that rating feel earned: a cheerleader fighting zombies while trying to hold onto a relationship. And the arrangements hinted at in the synopsis suggest the film will push that absurdity further than the game ever did.
From Game to Screen
Lollipop Chainsaw was released in 2012 and has since become a cult hit. The game has sold more than 1.5 million copies worldwide. A remastered edition, Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP, came out two years ago.
The franchise has also expanded beyond games. An animated series is launching alongside the latest video game.
The Team Behind the Movie
The film is being assembled by an international creative and production team. That group includes:
- Joe Teng, boss of Nada Holdings and creator of As One
- Robert Franke, former ZDF Studios drama boss and founder of Orange Chariot indie
- Takafumi Yuki, MD of Throne Inc
- Kirk Shaw of Ambitious Entertainment
- Patricio Rabuffetti of Non Stop TV
The project comes under license from Dragami Games. The team is aiming to establish “a new model for building globally recognized entertainment franchises from Asia.”
The International Mix
The international nature of the team is notable. Franke brings experience from ZDF Studios, one of Europe’s largest broadcasters, while Rabuffetti is attached through Non Stop TV, a production company known for its work across multiple formats. The mix of backgrounds suggests a project that wants to appeal to global audiences while staying true to the game’s Japanese roots.
What the Film Will Deliver
The film is set before the original game, which means audiences will see Juliet’s early days as a zombie hunter. The story follows her as she fights to save her friends, protect her family, and keep Nick close.
The unconventional arrangements hint at a premise that rewards the absurdity of the setup. A cheerleader killing zombies is already strange; the arrangements needed to keep her boyfriend close promise to push that premise further.
The Road Ahead
The team is working on establishing a new model for building globally recognized entertainment franchises from Asia.
For now, fans of the game have plenty to look forward to. The latest video game launches soon, the animated series is coming, and the live-action feature is in the works. It is a busy stretch for the franchise.
The combination of a cult hit, a strong team, and a premise that knows exactly what it is has made Lollipop Chainsaw a beloved property. Turning it into a film is a bold move, and the team behind it seems ready to deliver.
Source material: “‘Lollipop Chainsaw’: Cult Japanese Video Game Getting The Live Action Feature Treatment,” Deadline.
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