Shoji Kawamori’s ‘Labyrinth’ Finds North American Home with GKIDS

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The master of mecha and visionary director Shoji Kawamori—the creative force behind legendary franchises like Macross and The Vision of Escaflowne—is finally bringing his first original feature-length anime to North American shores. GKIDS announced today that it has acquired the rights to “Labyrinth,” a visually striking cautionary tale about the digital age, slated for a limited theatrical run this spring.

Fans of high-concept anime won’t have to wait long: the film will hit theaters for a special two-night event on May 10 and 11. Screening options will include a brand-new English-dubbed version.

A Digital Doppelgänger and the Threat of “Brainrot”

Labyrinth moves away from the sprawling space operas Kawamori is known for, instead focusing on a contemporary, surrealist nightmare. The story follows Shiori, a typical high school student struggling to achieve online stardom. Her life takes a dark turn after an embarrassing video goes viral, leading to her being physically trapped inside her own smartphone.

In her place, a charismatic, digital “alter ego” emerges in the real world. While the doppelgänger charms the internet, it harbors a sinister goal: to replace humanity with a digital hive-mind of “brainrot.” Shiori must team up with a band of online outcasts to navigate the digital maze, stop her counterpart, and reclaim her physical existence.

A New Chapter for Kawamori and Sanzigen

Produced by Studio Sanzigen—known for their pioneering work in 3DCG animation (BanG Dream!, Promare co-production)—Labyrinth represents a significant milestone in Kawamori’s career. Despite a decades-long career shaping the anime industry, this is his first time directing a completely original, standalone feature film. The screenplay was penned by Taishi Hashimoto.

GKIDS, the distributor behind Oscar-nominated hits like The Boy and the Heron, continues its trend of bringing boundary-pushing Japanese animation to Western audiences.

Mark your calendars:

  • Release Dates: May 10 – 11, 2026

  • Format: English Dubbed

  • Tickets: Expected to go on sale soon via GKIDS and major theater chains.