Overview
- The animated adaptation opens January 16 via GKIDS, extending a lineage that includes Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s 2003 novel, a manga, and the live-action Edge of Tomorrow.
- Director Kenichiro Akimoto says taking on the project came down to timing after a Warner Bros. proposal, marking his first film in the director’s chair.
- This retelling shifts the narrative center to Rita, expanding her backstory as she and Keiji confront a shared time loop.
- The film adopts a colorful, psychedelic aesthetic that pairs flat character designs with 3DCG environments, shaped by character designer Izumi Murakami.
- Early reviews praise the striking visuals and worldbuilding while noting occasional choppy CG, limited character depth, and some reservations about the finale.