Cineflix Rights has acquired “Heart Attack,” the new Fuji TV series from the creators of “The Walking Dead” and “Invincible,” Skybound Entertainment. The dystopian drama, which breaks new stylistic ground as live action Anime, will launch to international buyers as part of Cineflix Rights’ new MIPCOM 2024 scripted slate.
Set in a post-pandemic Japan, “Heart Attack” (8x45’, Skybound and ROBOT for Fuji TV, Japan) follows a segment of the population who have supernatural abilities, known as Variants, persecuted by the government and struggling against oppression because of their power. When two Variants, Ema and Umin, meet, they make an unexpected connection that unlocks a secret power. Together, they fight for their existence and freedom, leading to a revolution.
“Heart Attack” is based on the hit graphic novel created by Shawn Kittelsen and Eric Zawadzki. It stars Kanichiro (“Kubi,” “Last Ninja – Blue Shadow”) as Umin, Toko Miura (“Drive My Car,” “Weathering with You”) as Ema, and Goro Kishtani (“Returner,” “Graveyard of Honor”) as Umin’s handler, Variant Control Unit Chief Liu. The series is directed by Takeshi Maruyama (“Spaghetti Code Love”). Executive Producing from Skybound are Robert Kirkman, David Alpert, Rick Jacobs, and Glenn Geller, with Koji Ishi and Takeshi Shimokawa from Fuji TV.
James Durie, Head of Scripted, Cineflix Rights said: “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. 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.”
“The Cineflix Rights team has an outstanding reputation for placing top-tier dramas with broadcasters and streaming platforms around the globe. 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,’” added Rick Jacobs, Managing Partner, Linear Content, Skybound Entertainment.
Koji Ishii, Senior Executive Director, Fuji TV remarked: “As part of Fuji TV's global business strategy, we are very pleased to be able to co-produce ‘Heart Attack’ with Skybound with an eye on the global market. 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.”
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