The newly minted television studio, launched by the company behind ‘Invincible’ and ‘The Walking Dead,’ will produce anime as well as live-action features and series, with a focus on Japanese IP; the first project will be ‘Heart Attack,’ based on the Skybound original graphic novel series by Shawn Kittelsen in collaboration with Fuji TV.
Skybound Entertainment, the creator-led multi-platform entertainment company behind hit mega franchises The Walking Dead, Invincible, and Impact Winter, has announced the launch of Skybound Japan. The new division will be dedicated to expanding Skybound's international presence and fostering creative collaborations focused on Japanese IP within the Japanese entertainment industry.
By combining the creative forces of Skybound Entertainment with the rich artistic heritage of Japan, the newly minted studio marks a significant step towards achieving even greater global recognition for Skybound, in the center of the most robust market for manga and anime across tv, film, video games, and more.
Skybound has bolstered its plans in Japan throughout the past year; first with a significant investment in Remow, a global distributor of Japanese anime that was founded by leading Japanese publisher Shueisha, and most recently with its partnership with Fuji TV.
Skybound Japan’s first project under its new banner, in collaboration with Fuji TV, is Heart Attack, based on the Skybound original graphic novel series by Shawn Kittelsen (known for his work on Injustice 2 and Mortal Kombat), and illustrator Eric Zawadzki (acclaimed for his artistry in House of El). The electrifying sci-fi television series explores a post-pandemic world where gene therapy has saved the human race from disease—only to give birth to Variants: people with powers so unique, the government denies their human rights.
"We are incredibly excited to launch Skybound Japan and partner with some of the greatest creators in the world," said Rick Jacobs, Managing Partner of Linear Content at Skybound Entertainment. "As lifelong fans of Japanese content, the opportunity to help bring these stories to life in live action and anime is a dream come true. The adaptation of Heart Attack is just the beginning of what we hope to achieve in the Japanese market."
Skybound Japan will be led by Ash Nukui, producer of The Sniffer and Memoir of A Teenage Amnesiac, and formerly of Bandai Namco Group. Nukui brings deep knowledge of both the Japanese and international entertainment landscapes. The division will actively seek partnerships with local talent, creators, and studios to foster a collaborative environment that will nurture innovative storytelling and play a pivotal role in bringing diverse and culturally relevant content to audiences worldwide.
Source: Skybound Entertainment
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