The upcoming anime film adaptation of Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s acclaimed science fiction light novel, All You Need Is Kill, has revealed exciting updates, including key cast members and its premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025. Here’s a breakdown of what fans can expect from this highly anticipated project.
Premiere at Annecy 2025
All You Need Is Kill will premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025, being held from June 8-14. The film has been selected for the Midnight Specials section and is scheduled to screen on June 9, 12, and 13. This selection highlights the film’s anticipated appeal to fans of experimental films, satire, and thrilling narratives.
Main Cast Announced
The main cast for All You Need Is Kill has been revealed, featuring:
- Ai Mikami as Rita Vrataski: Mikami, known for her roles in the live-action Yu Yu Hakusho series and the film Undead Lovers, will voice the female lead, Rita Vrataski. Rita is an 18-year-old volunteer soldier recognized by her striking red hair. She is emotionally withdrawn, having built walls between herself and others. After a work-related accident, she finds herself reliving the same day, trapped in a time loop triggered by an alien invasion.
- Natsuki Hanae as Keiji Kiriya: Hanae, famous for voicing Tanjiro Kamado in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Okarun in DAN DA DAN, will voice the male lead, Keiji Kiriya. Keiji is a reserved 20-year-old systems engineer who also volunteers in the military effort. He tries to avoid attention by keeping to himself, but his unexpected encounter with Rita triggers a personal awakening. As the time loop repeats, he confronts death repeatedly and begins to change.
Production Details
The anime film is being produced by Warner Bros. Japan and animated by STUDIO4°C. Kenichiro Akimoto (known for his work as CGI director on Children of the Sea and unit director on Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko) is directing the film. The anime will retell the story from a different viewpoint than the original novel and the Edge of Tomorrow film adaptation.
- Original Author: Hiroshi Sakurazaka
- Director: Kenichiro Akimoto
- Studio: STUDIO 4°C
- Producer: Warner Bros. Japan
Theme Song
University student and singer-songwriter AKASAKI will perform the theme song “Tsuretette” for the anime. AKASAKI specifically wrote the song for the anime, making it her first anime theme.
Story Overview
All You Need Is Kill is set in a future where Earth is under attack by alien invaders known as Mimics. Humanity’s infantry soldiers battle the Mimics in powered armor suits called Jackets. Keiji Kiriya, a newly enlisted soldier, finds himself caught in a time loop after dying in his first battle. Each time he dies, he awakens to a time prior to the battle, reliving the same day. Through this repeating process, he learns from his mistakes and improves his fighting skills, seeking a way to break free from the loop.
The official website describes the story: “Trapped in a time loop after an alien invasion, the girl and boy’s chance encounter will shape the fate of an endless battlefield. Get ready for a breathtaking action-fantasy sci-fi adventure!”
A Fresh Perspective
Director Kenichiro Akimoto is recreating the story through a fresh perspective, focusing on Rita’s inner journey as a warrior, delving into her loneliness, struggles, and personal growth. This approach promises to offer a deeper emotional exploration of the characters.
What the Cast Says
Ai Mikami shared her enthusiasm and anxieties about the role: “As someone who’s always loved anime, it was like a dream to participate in this project. At the same time, I felt anxious—wondering if I could do justice to a story I admire so much. That anxiety mirrored Rita’s own emotional barriers. During our first recording session, working with Hanae-san (Keiji’s voice actor), I felt something shift—a strange release of tension. It was then that I realized how special it is to bring a character to life as a voice actor. This story has appeared in many forms—light novel, manga, and live-action—but the animated version is filled with interpretations only possible through this medium. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering All You Need Is Kill for the first time, I hope you’ll follow Rita and Keiji’s journey toward hope.”
Natsuki Hanae commented on his character’s evolution: “At first glance, Keiji may seem like just another quiet young man. But as he relives the battlefield over and over, he begins to confront his fears and evolve. Through my performance, I wanted to carefully express his despair, inner conflict, and the resolve that slowly emerges.”
Background of All You Need Is Kill
All You Need Is Kill was first published as a light novel in December 2004 in Japan and July 2009 in English. The novel has since been adapted into a manga by Ryosuke Takeuchi and Takeshi Obata, and a Hollywood live-action film titled Edge of Tomorrow, starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt, released in 2014.
Other Adaptations
- Manga: A manga adaptation of All You Need Is Kill, illustrated by Takeshi Obata, with storyboards by Ryosuke Takeuchi and character designs by Yoshitoshi Abe, was serialized in Weekly Young Jump and Weekly Shonen Jump in 2014.
- Graphic Novel: An American graphic novel adaptation, written by Nick Mamatas and illustrated by Lee Ferguson, was released in May 2014.
- Live-Action Film: The live-action film adaptation, Edge of Tomorrow, was released in May 2014, starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $370 million worldwide.
STUDIO 4°C
The anime film is being produced by STUDIO 4°C, known for its bold and original works such as Tekkonkinkreet and Children of the Sea. The studio is known for blending traditional animation techniques with the latest visual technologies.
GKIDS Acquires North American Rights
GKIDS has acquired the rights to screen the All You Need Is Kill anime film in North America, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. This acquisition ensures that the film will be widely available to audiences in these regions.
A Legacy of Time Loops
Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s All You Need Is Kill has played a pivotal role in the time loop science fiction genre, influencing numerous works and captivating audiences with its narrative of growth and resilience. The novel’s unique premise and powerful storytelling have made it a cornerstone of modern science fiction. With the new anime adaptation, a fresh perspective will focus on Rita’s inner journey, delving into her loneliness, struggles, and personal evolution, promising a deeply personal side of the battlefield where every victory and defeat carries emotional weight.
