GKIDS Rights To ‘ALL YOU NEED IS KILL’ In North America And Multiple Territories

New Animated Feature Produced by Warner Bros. Japan, with Animation from Studio 4°C is Based on International Bestselling Novel

Acclaimed animation distributor GKIDS announced today it acquired distribution rights to the upcoming animated feature ALL YOU NEED IS KILL in multiple territories, including North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Produced by Warner Bros. Japan with animation production by acclaimed Japanese animation house Studio 4°C (the upcoming ChaO, Tekkonkinkreet, Mind Game), the highly anticipated animated action sci-fi drama is based on the globally best-selling light novel of the same name from author Hiroshi Sakurazaka. ALL YOU NEED IS KILL is the feature directorial debut of Kenichiro Akimoto, with a script written by Yuichiro Kido, and makes its world premiere at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival in the Midnight Specials section this week.

Set in the year 20XX, ALL YOU NEED IS KILL follows the story of Rita, a resourceful but isolated young woman volunteering to help rebuild Japan after the mysterious appearance of a massive alien flower known as “Darol.” When Darol unexpectedly erupts in a deadly event, unleashing monstrous creatures that decimate the population, Rita is caught in the destruction—and killed. But then she wakes up again. And again. Caught in an endless time loop, Rita must navigate the trauma and repetition of death until she crosses paths with Keiji, a shy young man trapped in the same cycle. Together, they fight to break free from the loop and find meaning in the chaos around them.

“With All You Need Is Kill, I wanted to convey that even in the endless loop of life, we can still make discoveries and grow, depending on how we perceive the situation,” said Director Kenichiro Akimoto.

“ALL YOU NEED IS KILL is a standout work that explores time, identity, and survival with breathtaking animation and a powerful emotional core,” said GKIDS’ President Dave Jesteadt. “The story has remained so meaningful for years because it captures something essential about the human condition, and the need to keep moving forward. Director Akimoto has created a brilliant new take that we are sure fans will love.”

GKIDS and Studio 4°C have previously collaborated on acclaimed releases such as Mind Game, Children of the Sea, GKIDS’ recent acquisition ChaO, and several other celebrated titles. Further details on the release will be announced at a later date.

The deal was negotiated between GKIDS’ Director of Acquisitions and Development Rodney Uhler, and Warner Bros. Japan.