The Rarely Screened, Gothic Cult Classic Directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri and Animated by Madhouse Will Return to North American Theatres in New HD Master
GKIDS, the Academy Award®-winning producer and distributor of acclaimed and artist-driven animation, announced during its Anime NYC 2026 industry panel its acquisition of Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. The animated horror, based on the “Vampire Hunter D” novel series by Hideyuki Kikuchi, is directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri (Ninja Scroll, Wicked City) with animation from Madhouse. GKIDS plans to reveal additional details on the feature’s North American theatrical and home entertainment plans later this year.
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust first premiered in 2000 at Fantasia International Film Festival and has garnered a cult following since, hailed as one of the greatest anime films of all time. Originally released with English audio, the Japanese language version with English subtitles will make its North American debut with select screenings this fall ahead of a theatrical and home entertainment release in 2027. The animated feature blends horror, fantasy, action, western and romance into its genre-bending storyline.
Synopsis:
After a young woman is seemingly abducted by the vampire Baron Meier Link, her father hires D – a vampire-hunting “Dunpeal” – to rescue her. As D rides across the wastelands, he must compete against a group of tough mercenary hunters, and confront the complex truth about the woman.
©2001 TRISTONE ENTERTAINMENT/HIDEYUKI KIKUCHI/VAMPIRE HUNTER D PRODUCTION COMMITTEE
Staff:
Director and Writer: Yoshiaki Kawajiri
Producers: Mata Yamamoto, Masao Maruyama, and Taka Nagasawa
Based on the novel by: Hideyuki Kikuchi (Asahi Sonorama)
Based on the character illustrations: Yoshitaka Amano
Production Committee: Tristone Entertainment/Sony Music Labels/Movic
Animation Production: Madhouse