KILLTUBE has found its three outcasts.
At its Anime Expo panel, KILLTUBE revealed it had cast Yui Tsukada as the main protagonist Musashi, Kengo Kawanishi as Kikuchiyo, and Ayane Sakura as Leo. Along with this announcement, they’ve also dropped a new key visual and a development trailer so fans can see the behind-the-scenes making of the anime. CHOCOLATE Inc. is eyeing a 2026 completion date for the film.
The creators envision the anime as 3DCG-based and collaborate with cutting-edge VFX studio KASSEN and concept artist collective WACHAJACK.
Kawanishi, who has voiced Muichiro Tokito in the Demon Slayer anime series and Soshiro Hoshina in Kaiju No. 8 complimented the film’s “bold and innovative approach.” He will voice Kikuchiyo, a character known as a “natural-born con artist.”
As a long-time admirer of Director Kazuaki Kuribayashi, Sakura was excited to be part of a work he was personally leading. “I’m truly looking forward to seeing Director Kuribayashi’s vision unfold on the big screen.” Sakura, who will portray a brilliant inventor who has lost everything including her humanity, was “consciously subtracting layers from my performance during the audition, which left a strong impression on me.”
Since its announcement in April 2024, KILLTUBE has captured attention for its bold and original approach. The film uses 3DCG, with STUDIO DOTOU teaming up with VFX studio KASSEN, concept artist collective WACHAJACK, and most recently, Pony Canyon, which is now assisting with production.
The film has a budget of 1 billion yen and is part of the “108 Experiments” initiative, which aims to develop new ways to create original works. CHOCOLATE INC. will publicly document 48 of these experiments with the goal of fostering collaboration with other industries.
CHOCOLATE INC. describes the story of KILLTUBE as below:
In 2026, Japan continues its isolation under the Edo Shogunate. Amidst strict social hierarchies, three individuals, treated as scums of society, cross paths destined for a fateful encounter. They each join the duel streaming platform called “KILLTUBE” to pursue fortune and to win their freedom in a segregational world…
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Source: Thirty-three USA Inc.
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