FANGORIA is partnering with Through the Lens Entertainment (TTLE) for a co-development and co-production to bring forth a new chapter in manga horror entertainment. The partnership aims to bring “accurate manga adaptations” to the screen, “poised to redefine the horror and manga experience, offering fans an immersive journey into the macabre through motion pictures.” First up, not one but three Junji Ito adaptations are on the slate.
The first three mangas that will be co-developed from the legendary Japanese horror mangaka/manga author and artist Junji Ito: Bloodsucking Darkness and The Mystery of the Haunted House Part 1 and Part 2.
Through The Lens Entertainment owner and filmmaker Aditya Chand shared, “Through the Lens Entertainment are thrilled to be working alongside FANGORIA and the legendary Junji Ito on these new films. Having been born in Kobe, Japan, my love for manga and anime runs deep and had a huge significance for me during my upbringing. Working with a visionary manga creator like Junji, alongside a cornerstone platform of horror culture with FANGORIA, pushes the boundaries of what east-west collaboration can achieve in the modern age. Manga adaptation must be adapted in a culturally sensitive way, where there is a balance of Japanese nuance combined with the sensibilities of innovative horror, allowing for a new cinematic experience for enthusiasts and manga fans.”
Armen Aghaeian, SVP of FANGORIA Studios added, “It’s important to recognize the universal appeal of horror stories; there’s no better way to commence our partnership with Through the Lens Entertainment than with the legendary horror author and artist Junji Ito’s stories. After all, everyone screams in the same language.”
This new deal also marks the arrival of filmmaker Jay Van Hoy (The Lighthouse, The Witch) to Through the Lens Entertainment, as Chief Producing Officer (CPO). Van Hoy is tasked with setting up a new Collective of behind-the-camera talent and bringing a modern ecosystem to film production.
From the official press release:
Van Hoy will be instrumental in establishing and leading a dynamic production collective aimed at nurturing emerging filmmaking talent, excellence in storytelling and democratizing the process of independent film producing today. Having produced the horror cult film THE WITCH, Van Hoy brings a western horror sensibility to the whole producing team (under the TTLE banner) that will support the adaptations of the manga into film.
Armen Aghaeian, Tara Ansley, and Abhi Goel will produce under FANGORIA Studios alongside legendary Japanese horror mangaka/manga author and artist Junji Ito, with Yasu Kutami and Tsubasa Yamaguchi of Amuse Group USA and Through the Lens’s Aditya Chand and Jay Van Hoy. The deal was brokered by indie producer Carlos Aguirre who will serve as an Executive Producer on the films. Phil Wurtzel will serve as an executive producer through his production company Friel Films. Kevin Nicklaus will serve as executive producer.
Stay tuned for continued updates as we move into production. We’re always excited to see more from Junji and can’t wait to see what these newest adaptations have in store.
Follow @fangoriastudios and @fangoria for more updates on our Junji Ito projects. Don’t forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter, the Terror Teletype, for the latest horror news and FANGORIA happenings.
