“Broker,” Hirokazu Kore-eda‘s latest film, finally hits US theaters on December 26 after vying for the Palme d’Or at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. Now, Deadline reports that the Japanese director has his next project lined up: “Monster,” based on a screenplay by TV writer Yuji Sakamoto.
It’s worth noting that “Monster” marks the first time Kore-eda adapts someone else’s screenplay for a film since his feature debut, 1995’s “Maborosi.” He wrote the screenplays for each of his other thirteen movies between then and now. But Sakamoto is a fascinating team-up, with several popular Japanese TV shows to his name, like “Mother” and “The Best Divorce,” as well as his 2021 film, “I Fell In Love Like A Flower Bouquet.”
Gaga Corporation, Kore-eda’s long-time distributor, has plot details for “Monster” under wraps for now. It’s Kore-eda’s first Japanese language film since his 2018 Palme d’Or winner “Shoplifters.” With Gaga eyeing a June 2, 2023 theatrical release for “Monster,” expect the film to its world premiere in competition at Cannes next year, too.
Genki Kawamura produces “Monster” through Gaga. He and Kore-eda previously worked on the Netflix series “The Makanai: Cooking For The Maiko House” together. Other production partners on the film include Toho, GaGa, Fuji Television Network, AOI Pro., and Bun-Buku.
With a title like “Monster,” audiences may expect a departure from Kore-eda’s usual style. But at this point, who knows? Expect plot details for the film as it nears its release, and also expect it to be a favorite to win at Cannes next May.
