In so many ways, Charli XCX's career has been unpredictable. From the meteoric rise of brat to her decision to parody a concert film with her mockumentary The Moment to now trading the dance floor for the screams of J-horror. She's teamed up with legendary Japanese auteur Takashi Miike for an as-yet untitled slasher film that has just started filming on location in Kyoto. The project is pretty significant not only because XCX is starring in the lead role, but also because she'll be producing the film through her newly launched Studio365 banner.
What is the film about?
Set against the atmospheric and historic backdrop of Kyoto, the film follows three best friends who reunite for a carefree getaway intended to rekindle their lifelong bond. However, the vacation spirals into a supernatural nightmare when the character Katie, played by Charli xcx, becomes possessed by a violent and tortured spirit. This malevolent entity is portrayed by Kiko Mizuhara, promising a descent into terror that leans heavily into traditional Japanese horror elements while maintaining the visceral, gory edge that defines Miike’s filmography.
Who else is in the cast?
The ensemble has since expanded into a star-studded "it-girl" cast featuring Milly Alcock of House of the Dragon and Supergirl fame, and model-turned-presenter-turned-filmmaker Hailey Benton Gates. They are joined by The Walking Dead veteran Norman Reedus and acclaimed Japanese actors Kiko Mizuhara and Show Kasamatsu.
Behind the scenes, the creative engine is just as potent, with a screenplay written by Ross Evans and Yumiko Aoyagi based on an original concept developed by Charli and Miike themselves. Aidan Zamiri, who directed Charli’s A24 debut The Moment, is also on board as a producer alongside the industry powerhouse Live Nation Studios.
When is it being released?
As of last week, we know that cameras are rolling on set in Kyoto, Japan. While a formal release date has not yet been locked in, a conservative industry timeline suggests that a late 2026 or early 2027 release date is most likely. Given the prestige of the names involved, we think the film is likely to target a major international festival premiere, such as Sundance or Cannes, before a global theatrical rollout handled by international sales veterans at CAA Media Finance.
