Warner Bros. Japan LLC has dropped the main trailer and key visual for All You Need Is Kill today, offering a fresh look at the upcoming anime adaptation of Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s light novel. The visually striking film from Studio4°C (ChaO, Tekkonkinkreet) has been screened at several film festivals such as Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Fantasia International Film Festival, Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia and most recently at New York Comic Con.
Known for its groundbreaking ‘time loop’ concept and powerful narrative theme of growth, Sakurazaka’s novel was previously adapted in the global hit film Edge of Tomorrow (2014), starring Tom Cruise.
Synopsis: After invasion by unknown creature, Rita finds herself trapped in a time loop. Every time she dies, she wakes up again on the same morning. Determined to fight, she grows stronger with each loop — but the weight of endless death wears her down. Then she meets Keiji, who says, “When you die, I return, too…” Together, they begin to carve out a new future. “Escape it!?” “We have to give it a try!” But what awaits them is a cruel fate, they must choose the one who will survive…
All You Need Is Kill is directed by Kenichiro Akimoto (Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko), who has won praise for his inventive animation techniques and sensitive portrayal of character emotions. Under his guidance, the story takes on a fresh perspective centered on Ritaʼs inner journey as a warrior — delving into her loneliness, struggles and personal growth.
The creative team also includes co-director Yukinori Nakajima, writer Yuichiro Kido, art director Tomotaka Kubo, character designer Izumi Murakami, animation directors Tomonari Nakajima and Hisato Tokumaru, CG director Takanori Nakashima, color designer Konoha Suzuki and composer Yasuhiro Maeda. The theme song “Tsuretette” is performed by Akasaki. Warner Bros. Japan produces, with animation by Studio4°C.
The film will continue its festival run with engagements at Animation Is Film in L.A. (Oct. 17-19), Bucheon International Animation Film Festival in Korea (Oct. 24-28), Leeds International Film Festival in England (Oct. 30-Nov. 16), Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival in Taiwan (Nov. 6-23), San Sebastian Fantasy Film Festival in Spain (Oct. 31-Nov. 7) and Scotland Loves Anime Festival (Nov. 6-Dec. 2). Director Akimoto will be in attendance to introduce screenings at Bucheon and Scotland Loves Anime’s London leg.
Cast & Characters
Ai Mikami as Rita
An 18 year old young volunteer known for her recognizable red hair. Rita has closed herself off emotionally, building walls between herself and others. One day, she was involved in an accident while working and lost consciousness — only to wake up to the morning of the same day…
Natsuki Hanae as Keiji
A shy 20-year-old who works as a systems engineer and volunteers alongside Rita. He usually hides behind a polite smile, trying to blend in and avoid standing out. But his unexpected encounter with Rita begins to awaken something long buried deep inside him.
Kana Hanazawa as Shasta
A genius graduate student who thoroughly enjoys being immersed in Darol’s research.
Hiccorohee as Raychell
A volunteer worker in the same team as Rita. Sheʼs concerned that Rita tends to keep others at a distance.
Mô Chûgakusei as Yonaval
A volunteer worker in the same team as Rita. He is lively and frivolous person teasing Rita, but is also thoughtful of his friends.
All You Need Is Kill will be released by Warner Bros. Pictures in Japan on January 9, 2026. GKIDS has acquired distribution rights in multiple territories, including the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Visit aynk-anime.com for more information.
