Get ready, JoJo fans! NHK's critically acclaimed live-action adaptation of Hirohiko Araki's "Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan" series is back with another cinematic adventure. Following the success of "Rohan at the Louvre," the latest installment, "The Confessional," has been officially announced as a feature film, hitting Japanese theaters on May 23. And yes, we've got a brand-new teaser trailer and stunning visuals to feast your eyes on!
Starring the phenomenal Issey Takahashi as the eccentric manga artist Rohan Kishibe, the live-action "Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan" has been a massive hit since its debut in December 2020. Fans have hailed it as the "most ideal live-action adaptation" of Araki's work. The series has consistently delivered, with subsequent seasons in 2021 and 2022. Its first feature film, "Rohan at the Louvre," released in 2023, raked in over 1.25 billion yen at the box office, proving the franchise's undeniable appeal.
This time, the movie dives into "The Confessional," one of the series' most iconic and chilling arcs. What's even cooler? It marks a first in Japanese cinema history, with the entire film shot on location in the breathtaking city of Venice, Italy! Expect to see Rohan navigating legendary landmarks like St. Mark's Square, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, and the Rialto Fish Market. Even precious scenes featuring works by the master painter Tintoretto are captured, adding an extra layer of grandeur.
The plot follows Rohan during his travels in Venice, where he stumbles into a church's confessional booth. Unexpectedly, he finds himself in the role of a priest, listening to a man's chilling confession. The man recounts a terrifying experience from 25 years prior, and as his secrets unravel, the story takes a dark and thrilling turn.
▼ "Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: The Confessional" Teaser Trailer
While the film is slated for a May 23, 2025 release in Japan, international fans will have to keep their fingers crossed for a global theatrical run. Here's hoping we get to experience Rohan's Venetian mystery on the big screen worldwide!