EXCLUSIVE: It’s Heart Attack time. Here’s a first-look at the live-action anime series from Skybound and Robot for Japanese network Fuji TV. Deadline can share the first sneak peeks of the show and report that Cineflix Rights will handle distribution. It will launch the series internationally at MIPCOM, the biggest TV market of year.
The eight-part drama is based upon the hit graphic novel of the same name, created by Mortal Kombat 2’s Shawn Kittelsen and Eric Zawadzki. Set in a post-pandemic Japan, it follows a segment of the population who have supernatural abilities, known as Variants, and who face oppression because of their powers. When two Variants, Ema and Umin, meet, they make an unexpected connection and together they fight for their existence and freedom.
The series stars Kanichiro (Kubi) as Umin, Toko Miura (Drive My Car) as Ema, and Goro Kishtani (Returner) as Umin’s handler, Unit Chief Liu.
Takeshi Maruyama (Spaghetti Code Love) directs. Robert Kirkman, David Alpert, Rick Jacobs, and Glenn Geller exec produce for Skybound. Koji Ishi and Takeshi Shimokawa exec for Fuji.
Cineflix Rights, Skybound
“By turning anime into live action drama, Heart Attack will appeal not just to the millions of superfans of an incredibly popular TV genre but also wider audiences who love sci-fi thrillers,” said James Durie, Head of Scripted, Cineflix Rights. “With the added pedigree of Skybound, the creatives behind the huge global hit that is The Walking Dead, we are expecting a lot of interest from global buyers as we gear up to launching it at MIPCOM.”
Koji Ishii, Senior Executive Director, Fuji TV added that the broadcaster and Skybound had an eye on the international market when they teamed for Heart Attack: “With Cineflix Rights distributing the series, I hope that people around the world will enjoy this powerful story that will captivate sci-fi fans with its theme of young men and women, love and oppression.”
“The Cineflix Rights team has an outstanding reputation for placing top-tier dramas with broadcasters and streaming platforms around the globe,” said Rick Jacobs, Managing Partner, Linear Content, Skybound Entertainment, which is behind The Walking Dead and Amazon hit Invincible. “We’ve had great partnerships with Cineflix Rights in the past and we are excited to continue our collaborations with them as we launch Heart Attack.”
