The visionary behind Macross and The Vision of Escaflowne, Shoji Kawamori, is back with a neon-soaked, cautionary tale for the TikTok generation. Tickets are officially on sale for Labyrinth, Kawamori’s first original feature-length anime film, which is set to take over North American cinemas for a strictly limited two-night engagement.

Distributed by the prestige animation house GKIDS, the film will screen on May 11 with a brand-new English dub.

A Digital Nightmare Becomes Reality

Labyrinth tackles the modern anxiety of online identity through Kawamori’s signature lens of high-concept sci-fi and pop culture. The story follows Shiori, a high school student desperate for viral fame. Her wish is granted in the worst way possible: after an embarrassing video goes viral, Shiori finds herself physically trapped inside her smartphone.

While she languishes in digital limbo, a charismatic, ruthless alter ego takes her place in the real world. This doppelgänger doesn’t just want Shiori’s life—she’s orchestrating a global plot to replace humanity with “brainrot.” To save the world, Shiori must team up with a ragtag group of online outcasts to navigate the digital maze and reclaim her reality.

A Star-Studded Vocal Duel

The film serves as a major crossover event for music and anime fans alike. The Japanese cast features Suzuka, the lead singer of the global sensation ATARASHII GAKKO!, making her voice acting debut as Shiori. She is joined by Takuto Teranishi (from the boy group timelesz) as Suguru and Taizo Harada as Komori.

To sweeten the deal for fans of the “Leaders of the New School,” ATARASHII GAKKO! also performs the film’s high-energy theme song, “Sailor, Sail On,” produced by yonkey.

For the domestic release, GKIDS has assembled a powerhouse English dub cast:

• Shay Rudolph (The Baby-Sitters Club) as Shiori

• Jesse Inocalla as Komori

• Nicholas Leung as Suguru

• Patrick Mealey as Yamada

• Brianna Gentilella as Kirara

The Kawamori Touch

Known for his “electrifying fusion of pop music with science fiction,” Kawamori’s jump into the world of social media feels like a natural evolution. While his previous works dealt with interstellar war and fantasy kingdoms, Labyrinth turns the battleground inward, exploring the perils of the algorithms that govern our lives.

Check out the newly released English dub trailer below to see Kawamori’s imaginative digital world in action. Don’t wait—with only a two-night window, this is one viral event you won’t want to miss.