A live-action Lollipop Chainsaw movie is officially in the works, and the studio behind it wants everyone to know it is a prequel, R-rated, and very much a comedy.
Developer Dragami Games announced the project during Tokyo Game Show 2026, with full details shared by Deadline. The film will follow Juliet Starling before the events of the original Grasshopper Manufacture bubblegum action game. It is described as an “R-rated action comedy” that puts Juliet back in the lead role.
Juliet’s Fight Against the Undead
The brief story synopsis shared by Deadline sets the scene: “When a catastrophic zombie 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.”
The movie aims to capture the spirit of the game while standing on its own. That balance — faithful to longtime fans while welcoming newcomers — is the stated goal.
The International Team Behind It
Dragami’s film is in development from an “international creative and production team.” The group includes:
- Nada Holdings’ Joe Teng
- Former ZDF Studios drama boss Robert Franke
- Throne Inc MD Takafumi Yuki
- Ambitious Entertainment’s Kirk Shaw
- Non Stop TV’s Patricio Rabuffetti
There is no word on whether original team members like Suda51 or now-DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn are involved. The implication is that, at least at this stage, they are not attached.
Franke’s Promise to Fans
Franke addressed fans directly with a statement about the film’s ambitions. “We are making a film that feels unmistakably true to the spirit of Lollipop Chainsaw while standing completely on its own,” he said. “Longtime fans will recognize the attitude, irreverence, and glorious excess they love, while newcomers can simply enjoy an unforgettable action-horror comedy. Our ambition is to create a film that entertains audiences everywhere, whether they’ve played the game or not.”
The Road to RePop
Lollipop Chainsaw has been a cult classic since its release, but it largely stayed out of the public eye for the last decade. It wasn’t until Dragami announced its RePop remaster in 2022 that Juliet started turning heads again.
After RePop finally launched in 2024, Dragami announced plans to continue the series with new installments. The most recent look at what that means came earlier this week with the reveal of Lollipop Chainsaw 2 Back2Back. First gameplay has shown a project that looks both familiar and extremely different, leaving fans hesitant about whether it can stick the landing without Suda51 or Gunn’s help.
The Announcement’s Fan Response
The announcement that a Lollipop Chainsaw movie is coming has encouraged similar responses from fans. For now, no information about the project’s cast or release date has been revealed.
The Verdict on the Original
IGN reviewed the original game and gave it a 5/10. The review said it “doesn’t even attempt to differentiate itself from the genre, and most of what it does try new in the realm of its characters and writing ultimately ends up taking away from an incredible-on-paper action game.”
“The music and sidekick are really all you can rely on to stay great from start to finish. The rest of Lollipop Chainsaw is all over the place before it ultimately settles for mediocrity and disappointment.”
What We Know So Far
- The movie is a prequel to the original game
- It is described as an “R-rated action comedy”
- Juliet Starling is the main character
- Development involves an international team led by Robert Franke
- No cast or release date has been announced
- Suda51 and James Gunn are not attached, at least at this stage
The project is still in development, and the team’s pedigree is notable. Franke’s television drama background and Shaw’s work with Ambitious Entertainment suggest a polished production approach.
Whether the film can recapture the magic of the original remains to be seen. The game’s critical reception was mixed, and the sequel has raised questions about direction among fans. But a prequel offers a fresh canvas, and the team’s enthusiasm is genuine.
For now, fans wait. The announcement is a sign of life for a franchise that has spent years in quiet obscurity. The movie is a chance to reintroduce Juliet to audiences who missed her first time around.
The question is whether the filmmakers can match the game’s energy while smoothing out its rough edges. The international team has the pedigree to try.
Source material: “Lollipop Chainsaw Live-Action Movie Revealed by Dragami Games,” IGN.
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