Goodfellas, the Paris‑based sales outfit, unveiled the first stills from Toho’s forthcoming sci‑fi adventure Leviathan. The material will accompany a promotional reel presented at the American Film Market (AFM) in Los Angeles from Nov 10‑15. With a slated Japanese theatrical bow on Feb 11 2027, the picture is poised to attract international buyers looking for a high‑concept survival tale rooted in a popular manga.
Plot Overview
Set in the year 2127, Leviathan adapts Shiro Kuroi’s best‑selling graphic novel. After a catastrophic mishap, a training vessel drifts helplessly in deep space. Oxygen reserves dwindle, and only one life‑support unit remains functional. A group of students finds themselves pitted against each other as they vie for the limited breathable air, turning the claustrophobic environment into a psychological battleground.
Creative Team & Cast
- Directors: Michihito Fujii and Ryohei Shingu share helming duties. Fujii also co‑writes the script with Izumi Takahashi and recently contributed to Netflix’s Last Samurai Standing.
- Lead Actors: Shunsuke Michieda, known for Even If This Love Disappears From the World, and Natsuki Deguchi, star of Look Back, headline the ensemble.
Both performers bring fresh faces to a story that demands intense physical and emotional stamina.
Market Context & Sales Strategy
Goodfellas retains worldwide rights outside Asia. The agency is leveraging Toho’s recent global momentum—highlighted by the Neon‑acquired Exit 8 and the enduring Godzilla franchise—to position Leviathan as a genre‑friendly asset. Survival thrillers set in space have a proven track record, and the manga pedigree supplies a built‑in fan base that distributors often seek when scouting for ready‑made audience appeal.
During AFM, Goodfellas will also showcase other titles such as the Cannes Palme d’Or winner Fjord (Romania’s Oscar entry) and Spain’s contender La Bola Negra, both reportedly sold out. The presence of these acclaimed projects signals the company’s confidence in drawing bids for Leviathan.
Production Status & Unknowns
Although the reel offers a glimpse of tone and visual direction, the film remains in post‑production. Consequently, buyers cannot yet gauge the final quality of effects or the precise narrative pacing. No official budget or specific international release window has been disclosed by either Toho or Goodfellas. Nevertheless, the AFM showcase is expected to trigger the initial bidding process that will determine the picture’s reach beyond Asian territories.
What to Expect
With its blend of manga‑origin storytelling, high‑stakes survival drama, and a talented creative squad, Leviathan stands out as a compelling prospect for genre‑focused buyers. The upcoming AFM presentation will serve as the first concrete step toward securing overseas distribution, potentially ushering the film into theaters worldwide in early 2027.
