Norman Reedus has joined the cast of an enigmatic new film directed by Takashi Miike, alongside Milly Alcock and other notable actors. This project, backed by Charli XCX’s production company Studio365, centers on a chilling story set in the Japanese city of Kyoto. The announcement comes as part of the cast reveal, with the film currently titled Untitled Kyoto Project.
The narrative will focus on three friends whose vacation in Kyoto takes a terrifying turn when Charli XCX’s character becomes possessed by a tortured spirit. Sho Kasamatsu and Kiko Mizuhara are also expected to feature prominently in the film. Ross Evans has penned the screenplay for this unsettling story.
Charli XCX’s Horror Inspirations and Vision for a New Franchise
Beyond her producing role, Charli XCX has expressed a strong admiration for the Final Destination horror series, which explores themes of inevitable death catching up with those who try to avoid it. Preparing to see the latest film in the franchise, Final Destination Bloodlines, she shared her enthusiasm in a TikTok post where she explained her fascination with the series’ focus on attractive characters meeting grisly ends.
“The reason I love these movies is that they really just are about hot people getting killed. You know, there’s no moral backbone to the story, it really is just, ‘they’re hot, they’re cursed and they deserve to die.” – Charli XCX, Pop Star
Charli also revealed an idea to reimagine the franchise with a distinct ‘It Girl’ twist, envisioning a version populated by glamorous young women, including names like Rachel Sennott, Alex Consani, Gabbriette, Romy Mars, Quenlin Blackwell, and Devon Lee Carlson. She even suggested that a ‘Scream Queen’ figure such as Jenna Ortega or Sissy Spacek could be involved, ideally under the direction of a notable horror filmmaker.
“Maybe there’s an OG Scream Queen like Sissy Spacek. And then it’s also directed by like a horror auteur.” – Charli XCX, Pop Star
Maintaining the Classic Horror Formula with a Modern Twist
Charli emphasized that her concept would respect and preserve the original franchise’s formula, which merges an element of fun self-awareness with brutal deaths and sharp dialogue. She suggested that the core appeal lies in delivering intense horror scenes featuring attractive characters, staying true to the legacy while introducing fresh faces.
“It’s really not trying to do anything other than have hot people die in the most brutal ways and play with some unbelievable dialogue.” – Charli XCX, Pop Star
Actress Rachel Sennott, highlighted by Charli as a potential cast member for this concept, responded positively to the idea, signaling her willingness to participate. Sennott commented succinctly on Charli’s post, indicating excitement about the prospect.
With Norman Reedus, known widely for his roles in The Walking Dead and beyond, now connected to Charli XCX’s film project, anticipation builds around this dark and atmospheric production. The involvement of a director like Takashi Miike, famed for his bold storytelling, suggests the film will push conventional horror boundaries.
The Untitled Kyoto Project, combining international talent and a supernatural narrative, could signal a new direction in horror cinema that aligns with Charli XCX’s unique vision and passion for the genre. Fans of Reedus, Alcock, and Charli alike will be keen to see how this eerie story unfolds and how the haunting Kyoto setting enhances the film’s mood.
