Junji Ito’s Unique Horror Stories Continue to Inspire New Film Adaptations

In a new collaboration, Fangoria Studios is joining forces with Through the Lens Entertainment to adapt three of Junji Ito’s horror manga into films: Bloodsucking Darkness and The Mystery of the Haunted House Parts 1 and 2.

Fangoria aims to “redefine the horror and manga experience” by adhering closely to the original material and collaborating directly with Ito. The goal is to merge Japanese nuances with innovative horror elements to offer a “new cinematic experience” for enthusiasts.

Armen Aghaeian, Fangoria Studios SVP, emphasized the universal nature of horror, stating, “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.”

Ito’s manga has seen several adaptations in both live-action and animation over the years, though many have received mixed feedback. His manga is celebrated for its intricate art and chilling narratives spanning supernatural and cosmic horror genres. One project is the animated adaptation of Uzumaki, a renowned Ito story about a town cursed by spirals.

Announced in 2019, this four-episode series has faced delays as the team works to faithfully capture Ito’s distinctive style. Uzumaki is set to premiere on September 28 on Adult Swim. For a taste of Ito’s unsettling work, fans can explore his upcoming collection of manga short stories.