The science fiction world is buzzing with the latest news surrounding All You Need Is Kill. Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s acclaimed light novel is getting a fresh anime film adaptation by Studio 4°C, and the lead voice cast has just been revealed. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting project!
The Story So Far
All You Need Is Kill has had a fascinating journey across different media:
- 2004: The light novel was published by Shueisha, captivating readers with its time-looping narrative and sci-fi action.
- 2009: VIZ Media released the novel in English, introducing it to a wider audience.
- 2014: A manga adaptation, illustrated by Takeshi Obata (known for Death Note) and written by Ryosuke Takeuchi, was serialized.
- 2014: The Hollywood film Edge of Tomorrow, starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt, brought the story to the big screen.
Now, in 2025, All You Need Is Kill is returning to its anime roots with a film adaptation by Studio 4°C.
A New Perspective
The anime film promises to retell the story from a fresh angle. Unlike the novel and Edge of Tomorrow, which primarily focused on Keiji Kiriya’s perspective, the anime will center on Rita Vrataski, the legendary U.S. special forces soldier also known as the “Full Metal Bitch”. This new perspective will delve into Rita’s inner struggles, personal growth, and the loneliness she experiences in the endless war.
The Cast
The voice cast for the anime film has been officially announced, featuring:
- Ai Mikami as Rita Vrataski
- Natsuki Hanae as Keiji Kiriya
Ai Mikami as Rita
Ai Mikami, known for her work as an actor, is taking on the challenge of voice acting for the first time. She will be voicing the lead character, Rita Vrataski. Mikami expressed her excitement and initial worries about living up to the role, stating that her concerns mirrored Rita’s feelings. During her first recording session with Natsuki Hanae, she felt a sense of freedom and connection with Rita.
Mikami hopes that fans of the original work and newcomers alike will join Rita and Keiji on their journey to find hope.
Natsuki Hanae as Keiji
Natsuki Hanae, a seasoned voice actor, will play Keiji Kiriya. Hanae describes Keiji as an ordinary young man who undergoes significant changes as he faces repeated deaths on the battlefield. He aims to express Keiji’s despair, conflict, and determination through his voice acting.
Hanae highlights the relationship between Keiji and Rita as a major focal point of the film, emphasizing how they meet within the time loop and influence each other’s destinies.
Production Details
The All You Need Is Kill anime film is being produced by Warner Bros. Japan and animated by Studio 4°C. Kenichiro Akimoto, known for his work on Children of the Sea and Berserk: The Golden Age Arc, is directing the film. The screenplay is written by Yuichiro Kido.
The film features music production by Yasuhiro Maeda, and the theme song, “Tsuretette,” is performed by Akasaki.
What to Expect
The anime film is described as a retelling of the story from a different viewpoint than the novel and Edge of Tomorrow. It will explore Rita Vrataski’s inner world, focusing on her solitude, struggles, and personal growth through her encounter with Keiji.
Other Adaptations
Manga
The manga adaptation, written by Ryosuke Takeuchi and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, was serialized in Weekly Young Jump magazine in 2014. Viz Media also published the manga in English.
Graphic Novel
A separate graphic novel adaptation, written by Nick Mamatas and illustrated by Lee Ferguson, was released in North America.
Live-Action Film
Edge of Tomorrow, the live-action film adaptation starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt, was released in 2014. While it shares the same source material, the film diverges from the novel in several ways, including the setting, characters, and ending.
Reception
Manga Reviews
All You Need Is Kill‘s manga adaptation has garnered positive reviews:
- Critics praise Takeshi Obata’s detailed artwork and the manga’s ability to build tension throughout the story.
- The characters, particularly Rita Vrataski, are well-developed.
- Some reviewers found the ending to be abrupt.
Novel Reviews
All You Need Is Kill novel has been well-received:
- John Scalzi described it as a novel that “reads fast, kicks ass, and keeps on coming.”
Where to Find It
The All You Need Is Kill manga is available in English from Viz Media.
A Promising Adaptation
With a focus on Rita Vrataski’s perspective, Studio 4°C’s animation, and a talented voice cast, the All You Need Is Kill anime film promises to be a unique and compelling addition to the franchise.
