“Kubi” Theatrical Poster
The legendary, multi-talented Japanese celebrity Takeshi Kitano (Outrage Coda, Battle Royale, Hana-Bi) is currently prepping Kubi (or Neck), a film that may be his last project as a “director”, mirroring his 2018 decision to step down from his Office Kitano production firm that he co-founded with long-time producer Mori Masayuki in 1992 to “lay down the burdens he has been carrying … and increase his personal time.”
Variety reports that the film is a period actioner based on Kitano’s 2019 novel of the same title. The novel Kubi is one of many fictional treatments of the real-life Honno-ji Incident, in which famed warlord Oda Nobunaga was assassinated at a temple in Kyoto in 1582. The characters are mainly real historical figures, including Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the Nobunaga retainer who avenges his dead lord in battle, and Sorori Shinzaemon, a Hideyoshi attendant noted for his wit.
According to Variety, Japanese film studio Kadokawa has picked up all rights to Kubi, which will have its premiere out of competition in Cannes. Kadokawa will handle both the international sales and the Japanese commercial release.
Kubi also stars Hidetoshi Nishijima (Mozu: The Movie), Ryo Kase (Beyond Outrage), Tadanobu Asano (Kate), Nao Omori (R100) and Kenichi Endo (Deadly Outlaw Rekka).
Here’s hoping for a U.S. release date soon. Until then, don’t miss the film’s Trailer below:
I’m all in!!! Looks amazing.🤩